Susan Jill Shafer

Susan J. "Sue" Shafer, 53, of Springfield, passed away Sunday December 26, 2010 at her residence.

She was born December 26, 1957 in Peoria, IL, the daughter of Richard A and Helen Margaret Cherry Ekstrand

Sue was a public service administrator for the State of Illinois. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and spent countless hours in service with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and was a recipient of the Grand Cross of Color. She was also a member of the Flower City Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and was a member of the Daughters of the Nile.

Surviving are her children, Emily Shafer and Ben Shafer both of Springfield, her mother, Helen Jordan, of Springfield, her father, Richard (wife Dorothy) Ekstrand of Leesburg, FL., and her sister, Jan Ekstrand of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. where visitation will be Thursday December 30, 2010 from 4-7 pm. Flower City Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star will conduct services at 6:30 pm Thursday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be on Friday December 31, 2010 at 10:00 am. at Bisch Funeral Home West. Rev. Michael Paulson will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service by Bisch Crematory. Private inurnment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, those that wish, may direct memorial contributions to the Flower City Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, or the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.

Please visit the online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.