Lois Schafer

Lois June (Vick) Schafer, 89, of Great Falls, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2014 at Peace Hospice.A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Lois was born on April 18, 1924 to Melvin and Iva Vick in Ocosta, Washington. She was raised in Great Falls and graduated from Great Falls High School. She was a phone operator before marrying Phil Schafer. Together they raised 6 children while farming on the Bootlegger Trail just north of Great Falls. Lois also owned and operated Tumbleweed Antiques and Jewelry with her daughter Ann for 22 years before retiring to focus on farming entirely. She farmed for a total of 71 years.As a dedicated farmer she could operate almost any piece of equipment on her farm. During harvest you could find Lois driving her tractor and grain cart. She was also an excellent supervisor of the harvest crew. Anyone who helped with a Schafer harvest soon found out that when Lois gave an order you should pay attention. She always stayed up to date with farm matters and enjoyed checking the fields with her son Fred. She took great pride in her farm and Freds expertise in farming their land.Growing crops and tending her beautiful flower garden were also an important part of her life. She loved roses, and the unique rocks she found on the farm added to the beauty of her garden. Going rock hunting to find that special rock was a fun outing. Lois was continually searching to find heart shaped stones to give to her family.Those closest to Lois knew the importance family played in her life. Anytime there was a family event, such as a birthday, holiday gathering, or sports activity, Lois was always there. She had a generous heart and was always there to lend a helping hand. Her wonderful wit and sense of humor brought happiness to the lives of those who knew her and will forever be missed.Lois had a special love of sports and spent countless hours following her childrens interests. She and her husband Phil would load all the kids into the family car and drive hundreds of miles to watch their children wrestle, play football, run track, or cheerlead. Later in life Lois did the same for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her continuous support at a chilly football or softball game, a crowded volleyball match or basketball game will forever be appreciated.She is survived by her daughters, Joan Simonetti, Ann (Ken) Jonasen, and Peggy (Dave) Ganley; son Fred (Gail) Schafer; sister Mary Jane (Walt) Zollars; brothers Daren (Dolores) Vick and John (Janice) Vick; 13 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Phil; two sons, Paul Schafer and Dale Schafer; a sister; and a brother.Lois had a saying, I believe God has a plan for us and everything happens for a reason.Donations in her name may be made to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.