Estell Minnie Shofner, 83, Lonedell, departed this life in St. Clair Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011.
Mrs. Shofner was born in St. Louis March 11, 1928, the daughter of Louis Bachmann and wife Barbara, nee Koch.
On Nov. 29, 1947, she was united in marriage to Alvin Thomas Shofner and three children came to bless the union.
Mrs. Shofner is survived by two children, Janet Stricker and husband Ralph, St. Clair, and Steven Shofner and wife Mary, Lonedell; one brother, Melvin Bachmann and wife Juanita, St. Louis; one sister, Katherine Komo and husband Pat, Mission, Texas; six grandchildren, Lori Divin and husband William, Luling, La., Scott Stricker and wife Terri, St. Clair, Jeffrey Stricker and wife Emily, River Ridge, La., Craig Shofner and wife Rise, Lonedell. Stephanie Shofner, Hannibal, and Jennifer Schroeder and husband Dustin, Jackson; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews; cousins; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Shofner; her parents, Louis and Barbara Bachmann; one son, Allen Shofner; three brothers, John, Harold and Merrill Bachmann; and two sisters, Rose Theobald and Dorothy Henderson.
Mrs. Shofner was a Christian and past member of St. John United Church of Christ, St. Clair.
She had made caring for her home and family her career in life and never tired of her job. Mrs. Shofner loved the active life of being a farmer's wife and was actively involved in the operation of the farm. She was devoted to caring for her family and was very involved with her children and grandchildren.
Mrs. Shofner canned the produce she raised in the garden and was a great cook and baker. She also loved to shop, especially with her sister. Most of all, Mrs. Shofner loved her family and the many precious memories they created will be cherished forever by them all.
Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 2, at Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair, with the Revs. Chauncey Clay and Glenn Hammond officiating.
Interment was in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union.
Memorials to Crabapple Village Senior Estates, St. Clair, are preferred.
The family was served by Russell Colonial Funeral Home, St. Clair.
