Meredith Jean "Gramsy" Shaffer

Meredith Jean "Gramsy" Shaffer, 88, of Robinson, IL, formerly of Palestine, IL, passed away on January 2, 2023, in the comfort of her home, with her beloved family by her side. She was born on July 11, 1934, the daughter of Oris & Grace (Cooper) Conrad, both of whom preceded her in death. She married James Ferral "Shaf" Shaffer, Sr. on December 30, 1955, and even though they divorced after 35 years, they remained friends until his passing on December 9, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Karen Knoblett; her brother, Clyde "Bud" Conrad; and her daughter-in-law, Linda Shaffer.

She is survived by her children & their spouses, Melanie & Jim McKinney (Robinson, IL), James Shaffer, Jr. (Simpsonville, SC), and Robin & Brian Thompson (Simpsonville, SC); her grandchildren & their spouses, Stephanie & Rick VanSchoyck, Jesse & Abby McKinney, Danielle & Kevin Chastain, Kara & Brad Farrar, Jimmy & Amber Shaffer, Chris Shaffer, and Nick & Lauren Shaffer; her great-grandchildren, Chance Love, MacKenzie Love, Kayden McKinney, Blaze Shaffer, Breeze Shaffer, Bentley Shaffer, Lyllah Shaffer, Wyatt Shaffer, Westin Shaffer, Quinten Shaffer, Lynnex Shaffer, Mia Farrar, Liv Farrar, Aiden Farrar, and Gavin Farrar; her sisters, Margaret Hummel (Oblong, IL) and Irma Conrad (Mt. Zion, IL); and her sister-in-law, Frankalene Conrad (Robinson, IL). She is also survived by several nieces and nephews, as well as Keith and Jeff Miller, two boys she cared for who grew to become like sons to her.

A 1952 graduate of Robinson High School, Jean spent much of her early life at home, tending to her young family. When they had grown, she entered the workforce and was employed at a number of local businesses, including L.S. Heath, the Robinson Green House, the Pifer Strawberry Patch, and Jakel Motors, before retiring at the age of 72 from Fair-Rite. Never one to let the dust settle, her retirement years found her lending a hand to her daughter Mel's business, Main Street Realty & Auction.

Much of her free time found Jean taking in the fresh air of the outdoors. She was an avid biker, to the point that the neighborhood "Bike Lady" rode ten miles a day nearly every day until failing health forced her off of two wheels. She also spent countless hours outside tending to her garden. Though she grew vegetables for years, her green thumb also helped to bring beauty to her home by way of flowers. Endlessly creative, Jean often took these flowers and made arresting floral arrangements that were each as pretty as a picture. Her creativity was also on full display in the innumerable Halloween costumes she sewed together for her grandkids and great-grandkids. They will long cherish memories of "Gramsy" helping them with various school projects, as well as the way she made them feel loved, empowered, and beautiful. Time and again, Jean proved to us that family meant everything to her. She was always so proud to have four generations represented on their various travels together (and would make a point to tell strangers so!) Her family was the reason that Christmas and Labor Day were so special to Jean, as it was a time when loved ones gathered at her house to enjoy each other's company as well as her famous sweet pickles and ham.

If you spent any length of time at her home, it wouldn't take long to recognize her deep and enduring love for animals. No one could say just how many creatures she rescued and nursed back to health, but over the years, she rehabilitated a skunk, a raccoon, a ferret...the list goes on and on! Though she loved animals of all kinds, her heart belonged to her cat, Sox, and her granddog, LuLu. She was so concerned about the well-being of animals that she wouldn't let anyone spray weed killer on the gravel drive in front of her house. Instead, she would get on her hands and knees and physically pull weeds out one by one. This should come as no surprise to anyone who knew this dear woman, as she refused to slow down, often quipping: "If you don't use it, you lose it!" Even as her health began to fail, one thing Jean refused to lose was her independence. Until the very end, she continued to carry herself with driving purpose, abiding love, and sustaining faith. A longtime member of the Palestine First United Methodist Church, she made sure that her family was raised to know their Savior. It wasn't just her family, as Jean Shaffer shared the love of Jesus with everyone in both word and action. Her 88 years were a testament to the fullness of life with God, a life that, by His grace, will know no end.

A visitation celebrating her life will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 4th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Burial will follow in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to "Paws for Prevention", a spay and neuter organization serving Crawford County. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.