Martha Sue (Springman) Schafer

Martha Sue (Springman) Schafer was born August 31, 1939, in Salem, Missouri to John Henry and Laura (Moses) Springman. She was from a large family, being one of ten children, and grew up in Salem. She graduated with the class of 1957 from Salem High School. Martha was united in marriage to the love of her life, Carroll Eugene Schafer, in September of 1957, and this union blessed her with five children: Karel, Steven, Barb, David, and Sara. For a time, they lived in St. Louis, Missouri where Carroll was working, before they decided to make Salem their home and raise their family. Martha was a devoted wife and loving mother; she took great pride in being a dedicated homemaker and raising her family. Martha later worked beside Carroll for many years in the family business, 72 Farm Center, taking care of the bookkeeping. Martha and Carroll were blessed to share forty-one years of laughter and memories before his passing in 1998. In her spare time, Martha enjoyed crocheting, embroidering, crafting, and scrapbooking. She enjoyed attending and setting up at the Farmers Market selling her baked goods and jewelry. Martha was a kind and gentle woman filled with love and compassion. She was a faithful member of Anutt Community Church where she served as treasurer for forty years. Her sweet spirit and generosity were a blessing to many. Most important to her was spending time making memories with her family. She loved big family gatherings and watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. Martha entered into eternal rest September 19, 2022, in Republic, Missouri at the age of eighty-three years. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, loving children: Karel Benowitz and husband Rob of Salem, MO, Steven Schafer of North Carolina, Barb Armstrong and husband John of Bourbon, MO, David Schafer and wife Tressa of Salem, MO, and Sara Fonseca and husband Joel of Republic, MO; brother: Ervin Springman; grandchildren: Nathan Kitchen and wife Ciara, Megan Weiskopf and husband Kyle, Jake Armstrong, Alan Benowitz and wife Alexis, Laura Benowitz, and Alyssa, Noah, and Savannah Fonseca; great-grandchildren: Tucker, Graham, Theo, and Baby Karsyn on the way; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, her husband: Carroll Schafer; parents: John and Laura Springman; and siblings: Paul, Lucille, Dale, Grace, Roy, Edna, Clara Bell, and an infant sibling. Martha was sharp as a tack, witty, and full of spunk. Her beautiful smile and contagious laugh will be forever remembered by those who loved her most. Funeral Services for Martha Sue (Springman) Schafer were held Thursday, September 22, 2022 in the Wilson Mortuary Salem Chapel with Pastor Noah Schlag officiating. Special Music played was “Heaven Song” and “I Can Only Imagine”. Serving as Pallbearers were Rob Benowitz, John Armstrong, Alan Benowitz, Jake Armstrong, Noah Fonseca, Joel Fonseca, Alyssa Fonseca, and Laura Benowitz. Honorary Pallbearers were Kyle Weiskopf and Nathan Kitchen. Burial was in the North Lawn Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Online condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Martha Sue (Springman) Schafer

August 31, 1939 - September 19, 2022