Evelyn L. Shafer
Evelyn L. Shafer, age 91, of Sarahsville, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Altercare Summit Acres in Caldwell. She was born September 5, 1934, in Bergholz, daughter of the late Minus and Inez Smith Goodwill. Evelyn was salutatorian for the 1953 graduating class of Sarahsville High School, where she was a cheerleader. Over the years she had worked as a telephone switchboard operator in Sarahsville, at Hercules Engine Company in Canton, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Youngstown and finally NCR in Cambridge. Evelyn was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Caldwell where she had served as a deacon. She enjoyed being a part of the Presbytweens and was active in the Operation Christmas Child Program. She was an accomplished seamstress, making clothing for her children, Raggedy Ann and Andy Dolls for people in hospitals, and aprons that were sold at the Johnny Appleseed Center in Dexter City. Evelyn loved camping and trips to Florida and Canada, and enjoyed collecting antique Sadler Teapots. Her children remember her as a sweet woman, who made the most delicious Christmas Cookies, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate fudge.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald L. Shafer, whom she married December 19, 1953 and who died November 26, 2023; her sisters, Blanche Frabotta and Pauline Gerome; and her brothers, Paul Kirkbride and Gib Goodwill.
Surviving are her children, Dennis L. (Marilyn) Shafer of Caldwell, Jennifer F. (Michael) Mann of Tuscarawas and Bryon N. (Dianne) Shafer of Chagrin Falls; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Leah Paulette Bates of North Canton; several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at McVay-Perkins Funeral Home, 416 East Street, in Caldwell. The funeral will follow visitation Saturday at 1:00 PM with Ken Perkins officiating. Burial will be in Village View Cemetery in Sarahsville. The family requests memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, 532 North Street, Caldwell, Ohio 43724. An online guestbook may be signed at www.mcvay-perkins.com.