Rita Shafer

Our precious mother, Rita Gaye Shafer, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the age of 85. She was born on March 2, 1938, in Palacios, Texas to Dr. Edwin Frank Ryon and Elaine Huddleston Ryon.

She lovingly devoted her life to her family, and took great pride in teaching, guiding, and watching over many of the children of Kingsville while working at the First United Methodist Daycare Center where she spent her 36-year career starting as teacher, and retiring as director in 2007.

Rita loved her life, her family, her friends and her neighbors. She was a devout Christian and beautiful example to her children and all those around her. She faithfully served at her beloved church, First Christian Church, as well as in her community and truly loved the Lord. There is no doubt her spirit is soaring, and the Lord has prepared the most beautiful place for her to spend her eternal life with all her loved ones that have gone before her.

She is preceded in death by, her husband Alfred Edwin Shafer; parents; and sister, Cyndi Shepard.

Amongst those left to cherish her memory are her four children, Rodney Shafer (daughter Ashley), Scott Shafer (wife Traci, daughter Katie, son Trent), Gaye Alcoser (husband Tony, son Grant), and Steve Shafer (wife Nicole, son Andrew, daughter Alora, son Nick); siblings, Jan Becker († Harvey), Ron Ryon (wife Barbara), and Judy Sissom; numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive condolences from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Turcotte-Piper Mortuary, 205 General Cavazos Blvd. in Kingsville, Texas; with a celebration of life to take place at 4:00 p.m.  Services will conclude that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers and plants, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and/or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.