Hazel Marie Schafer

Hazel Marie (Gallup) Botts Schafer was born at home in Independence, Kansas, on September 18, 1926, to Vernon and Martha (Ballenger) Gallup. She had three sisters and two brothers Vernon "Buddy" Gallup, Billy Gene Gallup, Mary Gallup Mitchell, Freda Mae Gallup, and Gaylee Gallup Bedell. 

Hazel married Cecil William Botts on September 17, 1943, in Fredonia, Kansas, and they would have eight children together. She would divorce Cecil and later marry Alfred Glenn Schafer. Together, her and Glenn would have two children together and four step-children. 

Throughout her life Hazel was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary, a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 40 years, and a member of the Neodesha United Methodist Church. She worked at Electra, Frahm, Starcraft, Parsons Ammunition, and Emerson Electric, which she would later retire from. She owned several bars in Independence and continued tending bar until the age of 75. 

She was preceded in death by husband Alfred "Glenn" Schafer in December of 1983, children Verna Mae Botts Eddington, Margo Marie Botts Rinkenberger, Sonnie Johnson (Cecil Oliver Botts), Ronnie Dean Botts, and David Earl Botts, step-son George Schafer, brothers Vernon "Buddy" Gallup and Billy Gene Gallup, and sisters Mary Gallup Mitchell and Freda Mae Gallup. 

Those left behind to cherish Hazel's memories are her children Johnny Ray Botts, Sherry Lynn Botts Turner, Jimmie Lee Botts, Glenda Marie Schafer Persinger, and Linda Sue Schafer, step-children Donna Schafer Schnoor, Nancy Schafer Thomas, and Danny Schafer, sister Gaylee Gallup Bedell, 36 grandchildren, as well as many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. 

Hazel will be remembered for the warmth she brought to every room she entered and the unwavering love she had for her family. Her kind spirit and gentle nature touched the lives of many.

May she rest in eternal peace knowing that she was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family requests, in lieu of flowers, please donate memorials to Neodesha United Methodist Church.