Janet Ann Shafer

Janet Ann Shafer, 85, of Berrien Springs, passed away May 15, 2023 at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.

She was born Jan. 21, 1938 in St. Joseph, the daughter of Gennevieve and Carl Bixby. She graduated from Berrien Springs High School in 1956, while being chosen Miss Berrien Springs and a little later, Michigan Apple Queen.

She married George Shafer on Jan. 11, 1958. In addition to raising a family and working on the family farm, she was a 4-H leader and volunteered at the Berrien County Youth Fair, serving in the entry office and the commercial buildings. She also worked for the Journal Era, True Value, and the University Medical Center. Her hobbies included playing the piano, traveling, golfing, camping and fishing with family and friends, and with George helping the FEMA program provide temporary homes for disaster victims.

Janet is survived by three children: Gregg (Carol) Shafer of Fayetteville, Tenn.; Michael (Tami) Shafer of Buchanan; and Tami (Rusty) Brand of Grand Rapids; eight grandchildren: Jeremy, Amanda (Joseph), Ryan, Jessica (J.J.), Brandan (Madison), Colin (Marissa), Joshua (Lindsay), and Tyler; four great-grandchildren: Keegan, Avery, Theodore, and Emmy; her brother, Carl (Karen) Bixby and his son, Lazarus; and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, George, on Jan. 21, 2023; two brothers, Daniel Bixby and Paul Bixby; and a nephew, Eric Todd Bixby.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Messages and memories can be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to Berrien County Youth Fair, P.O. Box 7, Berrien Springs, MI 49103.