SCHAFER, Helen J.

(Age 90) Helen J. Schafer, age 90, passed away at Hospice House in Spokane on April 15, 2013, after a short illness.

She was born on June 15, 1922 in Everett, WA.

Helen graduated from Everett High School, attended business school, and Washington State College.

Helen married Ralph G. Schafer in 1943.

They moved to the family farm in Ritzville where she was active in Zion Congregational Church, Past Noble Grands and Grange.

She was known for her Irish heritage, card playing sharpness, avid reading, love of movies, passion for travel, her “green thumb” and love of flowers, excellent sewing skills, and wonderful meals.

After moving to Liberty Lake, Helen volunteered at Valley General Hospital.

She moved to Issaquah after Ralph’s death then back to Spokane in 2010.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Adelaide Curtin Willson, husband Ralph, daughter Marcia, and brothers, Edward, Gerald, and Henry Willson.

She is survived by her son Larry (Sherie) Schafer, Ritzville, WA, son-in-law James Schafer, Kirkland, WA, grandchildren Jennifer (Marty) Lux, Nezperce, ID, Derek (Susan) Schafer, Ritzville, WA, Joel (Rachel) Schafer, Truckee, CA, step-granddaughter Christine Schafer, Bend, OR, and eleven great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, April 22, 2013 at Zion-Philadelphia Church in Ritzville, WA.

A catered lunch will follow the service.

Memorials are suggested to Zion-Philadelphia United Church of Christ, 301 E. Broadway Avenue, Ritzville, WA, or Hospice of Spokane, P.O.

Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210-2215.

Danekas Funeral Home and Crematory-Ritzville is entrusted with arrangements.