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RALPH SHAFTER Obituary

RALPH E. SHAFTER, 63, of rural LaOtto, died on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, 3:20 p.m., at his home. Born March 23, 1948, he was a son of Richard L. and Evelyn A. Shafter. His formative years were spent at the family home on Shriner Lake. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. His service included a tour in Vietnam where he was awarded a Purple Heart Medal and Bronze Star with combat V for Valor. He retired from the United States Postal Service. His passion in life was fishing with family and friends especially the grandchildren. He cherished the bonds that were formed while catching fish. Surviving relatives include his wife, Dianna "D"; a daughter, Rachelle Diane Richey of Angola; four grandchildren, Nathan Hunter, Samantha Hunter, Laurel Richey, and Paul Richey; a great-granddaughter, Aaliyah Berry; mother, Evelyn Shafter of Warren; and three brothers, David L. Shafter of Fort Wayne, Richard P. Shafter of Shriner Lake and Kirk A. Shafter of Big Lake. He was preceded in death by his father; and a sister, Linda Sue Shafter. Memorial service is 7 p.m. Friday, March 23, 2012, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Chaplain Cheryl Schmidt of Heartland Hospice officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. Preferred memorials to Heartland Hospice. Condolences may be sent to www. smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers on Feb. 29, 2012.
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6 Entries

Served with Ralph, and we kept in touch, for many years.
Unfortunately we stopped communicating when he was flooded, at his home in Laotto.
He visited here with his wife and daughter.
Ralph was a kind and gentle person, with the heart of a lion.
Sorry for your loss Diane, he was a very good man.
R. I. P. Ralph (Pinky) Shafter.

Joseph Speziale

Served In Military Together

November 9, 2020

The family of Ralph Shafter.
You have my deepest sympathy.
I will always remember the friendship we had for years of working together @/the Post Office. Ralph was a real "gentleman". And, "Always" had a smile & kind words to say.

Steven A. Cutter

March 1, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

John Rekeweg

March 1, 2012

D-
I am sorry to hear about your loss. I know how much he meant to you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May god help you through this rough time and always know that you have people that love you and cherish you. We are all here for you.

Erica Screeton

March 1, 2012

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

THE REDMAN FAMILY

February 29, 2012

D- So sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

Stewart Ayers

February 29, 2012

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