Vivian Janice Schafer

Vivian Janice Butler Schafer, 84, of Grants Pass, Oregon, passed away on August 16, 2021 from a stroke. Born February 9th, 1937 to James and Zelma Butler in Eufaula, Oklahoma, her family came to Kerman, California in 1953, where she attended Kerman High School and met LeRoy “Sluggo” Schafer. They were married February 2nd, 1957.

A graduate of Fresno State University, Janice taught at Mendota Elementary, Sun Empire Elementary in Kerman, and at San Joaquin Elementary until retiring in 1993.

Janice was always able to see the best in everyone. She was a good listener, gracious, tactful, supportive, and comforting. Generous and hospitable, she loved welcoming visitors, and after catching up was known to say, “That’s all the news that’s fit to print.” A wise, pragmatic, and trusted advisor, she would remind us that “reality is a question of perspective,” showing both her caring and sympathetic nature and her sense of humor. She adored her grandchildren, and always looked forward to spending time with the “Grands.”

Her home was filled with family photos and knick-knacks, a salt and pepper shaker collection, beautiful and whimsical teapots, and genealogical records of her family’s history. It was a warm, loving home where you could truly relax with a loved and cherished friend.

Janice had a wide array of interests - reading, movies, British mystery shows, traveling, RVing with Sluggo, genealogy, High Tea with the gals, gardening, sewing, cooking, and shopping. She loved food; her favorites were coconut cake and watermelon.

Janice and Sluggo made their home in Kerman, California, and after retirement moved to Priest Lake, Idaho, and finally to Grants Pass, Oregon.

Janice is survived by her children Gary (Shana) Schafer, Sandra (Roger) Schafer-Wisener, grandchildren Kaleb, Ashley and Samantha Schafer, Jacob (Nick) Potter, Dylan Yochelson, Kyle Stidham and Hayley Wisener, great-grandchildren Riley Hauptman and Nicholas Winslow, many nieces and nephews, and Juliet the cat. Preceded in death by her husband LeRoy “Sluggo” Schafer and her son Kirk Schafer.

Our deepest gratitude for the love, care and support they gave Janice goes to caregiver Lucy Faulhaber, neighbors Susan & Ron Hayworth, and dear friends Barbara Goto, and Ron & Cathy Cleaver.

Memorial donations can be made to United Cerebral Palsy at ucpcc.org.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 27, 2021, 4:00pm-7:00pm at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 L St., Fresno, CA 93721.

Graveside service will be held Saturday August 28, 2021, 9:00am at Fresno Memorial Gardens, 175 S. Cornelia Ave., Fresno, CA 93706, followed by a reception at the Kerman Community Center, 15101 W Kearney Blvd, Kerman, CA 93630.

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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lislefuneralhome.com for the Schafer family.