Phyllis Shafer

Mrs. Phyllis J. Shafer, age 92, of Monroe, NC, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, December 7, 2020. Honoring Mrs. Shafer's request, a private memorial service will be held. Phyllis was born in Chenango Forks, NY in 1927, a daughter of the late Lou Rittenburg and Myrtle Schufelt Rittenburg. She married Roy Hollenbeck as a young woman and had eleven children with him, with one, Bruce, passing away as a newborn infant. Roy's unexpected death years later left Phyllis, 47 at the time, a widow with 10 children to raise. She worked three jobs to keep her family together. She was a woman who knew heartache and struggle but nothing kept her from loving her children and trying to do the best for them. As she worked numerous jobs, one of those jobs was to drive a charter bus. She went to work for Shafer Bus Lines of Johnson City, NY and was featured in the local newspaper for being one of the first female charter bus drivers for that time. She eventually fell in love with Robert T. Shafer, Sr. who was also widowed. Bob Shafer and she married in 1972. They moved from New York State to Monroe, NC in the early 90's and loved each other until his death in 2001. Phyllis loved her family, her friends and the Lord and was always involved in her church community in Monroe as well as local outreaches. She worked for Operation Reach Out for many years. She is remembered as someone who had many friends in the local community and always had a hand out to help anyone in need. She was blessed with a very active life, even working on her computer right up into her 80's. She was so loved by her family and friends and will be missed, but now heaven is now her reward. Phyllis is survived by nine children; Bill Hollenbeck, Bev Perry, Bonnie Gradel, Brenda Kenyon, Betsy Hollenbeck, Shirley Simonds, Penny Hollenbeck, Bryan Hollenbeck and Scott Hollenbeck, and her brother, Bob Rittenburg. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Phyllis was preceded in death by a daughter, Barb Smith. Davis Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Shafer. Please leave your words of comfort and remembrances at www.davisfuneralservice.com/obituary/Phyllis-Shafer

Phyllis Shafer

December 27, 1927 - December 7, 2020