Judith Joann Schafer, 82, formerly of Ottumwa died at 8:53 p.m. July 14, 2023 at her daughter’s home in Hedrick.
She was born September 29, 1940 in Batavia, IA to Raymond and Marie Ritchie Johnson. She married Louis Henry Schafer on December 30, 1961 and they later divorced.
Growing up in Floris and Ottumwa, she was a 1958 graduate of Ottumwa High School and attended Ottumwa Heights College. Judy had worked at Katie’s Bakery and John Morrell & Co. in Ottumwa. Having lived in Hawaii, Colorado, Boise, ID, Michigan and Indiana, she had also worked at Indiana University/Purdue University in Indianapolis and Rolls Royce helicopter division. Judy moved back to Ottumwa in 2012.
She loved ballroom dancing and taught ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. She also enjoyed genealogy and gardening. Judy had been a member of Reminisce Society and Ottumwa Community Players.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Schafer and Tim (Annie) Schafer both of Ottumwa; a daughter, Angelica Schafer of Hedrick; a granddaughter, Katherine (Dallas) Paris; two great grandchildren, Broderick and Leif; seven half-siblings, Jana Havas of Arlington, TX, Joe Johnson of Columbia, MO, Tim (Kelly) Johnson of Hartford, IA, Raymond Johnson of Centerville; Joanna (Richard) Reyes of Coatsville, PA, Bill (Tammy) Johnson of Hartford, IA and James Johnson of Bloomfield.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond Johnson and Katie Foglesong; and dogs, Peanut and Angel.
Graveside services and burial will be 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 18th at Ottumwa Cemetery.
