Joanne Shafer

Joanne Shafer, 84, of Noblesville, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2015. She was born on February 3, 1931 to Adrien and Thelma (Ballard) Horney in Arcadia, Indiana.
Joanne graduated from Noblesville High School in 1949 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Purdue University in 1975. She also attended Butler University. Joanne married her high school sweetheart, Phillip, on September 2, 1951, and followed him to Fort Sill, OK, for his basic training. She was a loving wife, and devoted mother and grandmother who loved entertaining, doing it effortlessly and eloquently. Joanne was an excellent cook, and enjoyed shopping, surprising her loved ones with special gifts. She so enjoyed spending summers with her kids and grandkids in Michigan, and was instrumental in creating so many memorable moments. Joanne had the ability to make every family holiday special. Christmas at Joanne's house was like a scene out of White Christmas.
She was a dedicated member of Noblesville First United Methodist Church for over 60 years and volunteered in the church office. Joanne was also a member of Tri Kappa sorority. She was a cancer survivor and displayed courage and fight throughout her life. Joanne was also a twin; her sister, Jeanne, was as close as an identical twin as you can get. They were truly life-long sisters.
Joanne is survived by her husband, Phillip D. Shafer; sister, Jeanne Horney Simons; daughter, Karen Shafer Montgomery; son, Douglas (Vicki) Shafer; and grandchildren, Hilary Shafer Herendeen, Brooke Shafer, and Chase Montgomery.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Horney; sister, Jacqueline Horney Niernberger; and grandson, Gavin Montgomery.
Services will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2015, at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, in Noblesville, with visitation from 2:00 pm to the time of service. Pastor Jeff Gammon will officiate.