Joyce Shafer

Joyce Shafer passed away on April 26, 2026 at the age of 98, surrounded by her loved ones. Joyce was born in Linn County, Kansas. She was raised by her parents Charles and Hazel Hansen along with a younger brother William and sister Lola Mae in Turon, Kansas on the family farm. She graduated from high school as the class valedictorian. She attended Kansas State University and graduated in 1949 with a degree in home economics. There she met her husband William (Bill) Shafer. They were married in a ceremony at the farm on December 28, 1947. This marriage would last for 65 years until Bill’s death on May 18th, 2013. She was a housewife and mother. She loved to sew, quilt, and knit. She also volunteered at, what was then known as, Shawnee Mission Hospital and other organizations.

Joyce is survived by her two sons Steve (and wife Tracy) and Kent (and wife Linda) and her two daughters Karen (and husband Doug Alvord) and Sandra (and husband Brian Miller). She is also survived by twelve grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.