Evelyn Schafer

Evelyn Schafer, 89, of Wichita KS, passed away Thursday, October 21, 2021, at Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire, KS. She was born July 4, 1932 in St. Leo, KS to Casper and Irene (Lingg) Schnittker. In 1950, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in Wichita. Evelyn earned her degree in nursing at St. Rose Hospital, Great Bend, KS in 1953. Evelyn had a career in nursing for more than 40 years, working in various areas including: gerontology, orthopedics, family practice and county health. She also helped her husband with his veterinary practice in Pretty Prairie, KS for 18 years while raising five children. The most important thing in Evelyn's life was her family, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight. As the kids were growing up, she was very active as a Boy Scout den mother, a 4-H leader, and a catechism teacher. She was involved with various clubs, including the Beta Study Club and Altar Society. Her hobbies included gardening, crafting, baking, reading, and collecting apple paperweights. Evelyn was a strong advocate for the developmentally disabled and served on numerous boards to promote vocational and independent-living opportunities for many. She was a role model for other parents, including her son, Dennis and his wife, Nancy. Evelyn pushed for educational opportunities for her daughter, Cindy, in the years before special education laws existed. She is survived by her husband, Jerry, and daughter, Cindy, of Wichita; daughters, Susan (Ron) Wendland of Randolph, KS, Judy (Ronnie) Jones of Owasso, OK; sons, Greg (Cindy) Schafer, Wichita, and Dennis (Nancy) Schafer, Anacortes, WA; sister, Florence Dean of Vicksburg, MS; eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Leona Hipp, LaVena Davis, Victoria Smith, Emilia Spade, Marietta Brabec, Agnes Schnittker; and brothers, Elmer Schnittker and LeRoy Schnittker. Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, October 27, 2021; Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Thursday, October 28, 2021, both at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church. A memorial has been established with: Arrowhead West Inc., 1100 E. Wyatt Earp Blvd, Dodge City, KS 67801. The family wishes to thank Catholic Care Center along with Home Health and Hospice of Kansas for the care and help given. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.