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Mary Martha Good Shafer

 Mary Martha Good Shafer was unexpectedly reunited with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Aug. 21,

2022, at Parkview Hospital. Though her death was sudden, her family is left with peace knowing that she is in the arms of her Savior.

Martha was born on Sept. 26, 1924, to two loving parents; Samuel P. Good and Ruth Roberts Good, both of which have preceded her in death. She was born in Warren, and then moved to Indianapolis with her maternal grandmother Grandmother Roberts, following her mother’s death when she was four years old. In her older years, Martha frequently reflected on these times stating that she was extremely spirited and rowdy, which her family very much doubts.

Her life led her move back to Warren to live with her paternal grandparents, George S. & Lillie M. (Pulse) Good, whose families owned the Exchange Bank and Pulse Opera House in Warren. They raised her and her uncle (Ben Good) as siblings, as they were extremely close in age. Her childhood, while filled with unfathomable struggles and tragedies, shaped her into a God-fearing, selfless, and genuine woman with a beautiful soul. She graduated from Warren High School in Salamonie Township as part of the Class of 1942, where she was a cheerleader and devoted student.

On March 6, 1943, she married her soul mate, Dwight G. Shafer. They were the proud parents of two sons, Timothy and Richard Shafer. Martha attended Union Church of Huntington County for over 50 years. During this time, she created a lasting legacy while fostering relationships with others, as well as with the Lord. She loved, prayed, and baked for the congregation at Union Church, all while striving to hold every single baby that ever crossed the threshold of the church building.

Martha worked for the Huntington Mutual Insurance Company for 25 years, where she joyfully attempted to spread the love of Jesus one workday at a time. She loved to travel, read, and spend time with her friends and family. She made dolls and knit blankets as a means by which she could show her love for those around her. Martha is also remembered for her ability to entertain. One of her many precise and well-thought-out habits was to have individually wrapped pieces of Texas sheet cake prepared, wrapped in wax paper, and save it in the freezer for any visitors that she might entertain at the farm.

Martha’s selflessness was beyond striking. Her families, many of whom refer to her as “Grandma Mousie,” recount the subtle, yet remarkable ways in which Martha impacted their lives. One could always find Martha taking the most uncomfortable seat in the house, taking the least appealing dinner plate, or giving someone else the bigger scoop of ice cream. Her gentle, yet strong nature shaped those around her.      

She was an active member of the Chautauqua Club, Associate Chapter of Tri Kappa, in Warren, Union Church Missionary Society, and Union Township Huntington County Demonstration Club. Martha read her Bible every night before bed and thanked God for her “many blessings.”

She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Dwight G. Shafer; her parents: Samuel P. Good and Ruth Roberts Good; her siblings: Charles L. Good, Samuel P. Good, Jr., and Phoebe E. Shea; as well as her granddaughter, Geri Zickafoose, and her grandson-in-law, John Dombroski.

She is survived by her sons: Timothy (Cinda) Shafer and Richard (Becky) Shafer; her grandchildren: Lori (Richard) Tippett, Jennifer (Nathan) Verning, Wendi Dombroski, Gary Zickafoose, Sheri (Brian) James, Bret (Jeannie) Shafer, and Jeremie Studebaker; as well as 21 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather to remember at Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home, 203 N. Matilda St. Warren, on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022 from 3-7 p.m. A service to celebrate Martha’s life, officiated by Chaplain Gerald Moreland, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home; a viewing will take place one hour before the service. Burial will be at the Union Cemetery in rural Huntington County.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Master’s Food Pantry, PO Box 105, Markle, IN, 46770 and/or The Pulse Opera House, PO Box 631, Warren

     Her family urges you to order a Starbucks decaf peppermint mocha, extra hot, double-cupped, or a bowl of peppermint ice cream in her honor. Arrangements have been entrusted to her long-time neighbor at Heritage Pointe, David W. Ferguson, with Glancy Funeral Homes.