Berniece Ann (Boyd) Shafer

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Berniece Ann (Boyd) Shafer who left us peacefully at the remarkable age of 102 on April 11, 2026 at the Life Care Center of Rochester in Rochester, IN. She lived a long and wonderful life. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and a cherished friend to many. 
Berniece was born on May 12, 1923 in Indianapolis, IN to Sinclair and Lucy Boyd. She was their fourth child. Her siblings were Orin Boyd, Jeanetta (Boyd) Baugher McGowen, and Thelma (Boyd) Pasley. 
She graduated from Culver High School with the Class of 1942 and married Ralph Adam Shafer on July 18, 1942. Together they had two sons, Robert Alan Shafer born on January 6, 1953 and Rickey Alvin Shafer born on December 28, 1958. 
During her years of employment Berniece was known for her work ethic and for always being pleasant to her co-workers and customers. She worked at several golf courses in the area, alongside her husband, Ralph, as well as at several factories. The bulk of her employment history, however, was spent in various retail establishments in Plymouth and in Bremen. Berniece worked at the Ben Franklin Store, G.L. Perry, Meister’s (Bremen), and Coast-to-Coast. She mentored and trained many young people in the retail business. 
Berniece loved spending time with friends on Friday and Saturday nights at the Moose Lodge in Plymouth. Most of this time was spent on the dance floor. She was a regular there well into her eighties. She was also a loyal member of the Women of the Moose for many years, as well as a member of the Eagles, and the American Legion in Bourbon. She attended the Argos United Methodist Church in Argos. 
In her later years, Berniece enjoyed catching up with family and friends on her front porch, working in her yard, and watching the many birds and squirrels who visited her feeders. She also spent much of her time crocheting doilies. Many friends and family members are recipients of her beautiful handiwork.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Shafer, her beloved first-born son, Robert Shafer, her parents, and her siblings. She is survived by her son, Rick Shafer and his wife, Shelley of Argos and her daughter-in-law, Vickie Moyer Shafer of Franklin, as well as her six grandchildren: Melissa (and Jim) Bradley of Argos, Jason (and Laura) Shafer of Argos, Scott (and Cherish) Shafer of Knox, Bill (and Suzanne Moyer) of Morgantown, Brandon (and Rachel) Shafer of Argos, and Zachary (and Rachael) Shafer of Argos along with sixteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. 

A celebration of Berniece’s life will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Argos United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. with the funeral service at the church and burial at Maple Grove Cemetery to immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Legion in Bourbon or the Argos United Methodist Church Food Pantry.
The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for the love, compassion, and care that the entire staff at the Life Care Center of Rochester gave Berniece during the past six months. She was so deeply loved there.

Arrangements have been entrusted with the Earl-Grossman Funeral Home, Argos, Indiana

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