Delores Jean Shafer, age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5th, 2025, in Chillicothe, Missouri, at Hedrick Medical Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. She was born on Thursday, June 15th, 1939, in Lebanon, Missouri, to Orville and Anna (Pendergraf) Peterson. Delores touched the lives of many with her caring spirit and unwavering dedication to family and friends.
A 1957 graduate of Princeton High School, Delores pursued a career as a glove sewer, dedicating her skills to both Boss Glove and Lambert Glove companies. She also was employed by Places, in Chillicothe for over 20 years.
Delores was a devoted volunteer at the Long Blum Retirement Center, where she spent countless hours brightening the lives of others with her generosity and kindness. Her warmth and compassion extended into all aspects of her life, leaving lasting impressions on everyone she met.
She leaves behind her three sons, Jerry Shafer (Linda) of Utica, Missouri, Terry Shafer (Nancy) of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Jackie Shafer (Debbie) of Utica, Missouri. Delores was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren and a great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren, all of whom brought immense joy to her life. Delores is also survived by her four brothers: Jim Peterson (Linda) of Columbia, Missouri, Clark Peterson of Chillicothe, Missouri, Marvin Peterson (Linda) of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Kenneth Peterson (Sue) of North Carolina; and her sister, Linda Peterson of Brookfield, Missouri. She is fondly remembered by her numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Shafer; her parents, Orville and Anna Peterson; two brothers, Wayne Peterson and Garry Peterson; and her sister, Joyce Lawrence.
Delores' family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lindley Funeral Home for their assistance with the arrangements. In honor of her memory, Delores leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion to her family, whose lives she enriched deeply.
Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of Delores' bright smile, unwavering kindness, and the love she so freely gave. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know her.
Funeral services will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, December 12, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be left at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri