Merrie K. Schafer, age 61, passed away on August 10, 2021 after a valiant battle with CIDP. Merrie was born April, 1960 in Monmouth, Illinois to Gary and Judith Willman the third of seven children.  As the daughter of a USAF officer, she moved all over the country. At the age of 21, she married Kevin Schafer who had enlisted in the Air Force, and continued her life of frequent military moves.

Merrie and Kevin had six children and lived in four different States.  Most of that time was spent at different Air Force Bases up and down California. Merrie was an excellent homemaker with a knack for organization and she used those skills to live a life of service.

In her younger years, she worked for Acme Steel Fabricators as a clerical worker and more recently, with the Mojave Unified School District as a Classified Sub doing office work and filling in as a librarian.  Over the years she was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Girl Scout Leader, school crossing guard, Census taker, and poll worker during elections.

After settling back in Texas in 2016 in what she called her retirement, she decided to slow down by giving more service. She volunteered as a driver for Azle Good N.E.W.S., providing rides for seniors so they could maintain a more independent lifestyle. When her eyesight became worse, she switched to helping with the donation side of that organization.

She also gave countless hours of service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over her lifetime, she served as a leader for her Ward Relief Society and Nursery. She taught in Relief Society, Primary, Sunday School, early morning seminary, and served as Girl's Camp Director. Her most cherished service was inside the Temple as an ordinance worker. Her unwavering faith in our Savior Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice was at the core of all she did. She strove to live her life by following His example.

Merrie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Kevin; six children: Lex (Carolyn), Aleyna (Jon Mathias), Morgan, Pete, Merrin (Brock Shaw), Azrielle (Andrew Butler); thirteen grandchildren; her parents, Gary and Judith Willman; six siblings: Sherrie (Gary Bulechek), Gary Lee (Sherry), Marty (Lucy), Bud (Janice), Lisa Berente, and Suzy (Robi Horváth), and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1010 Timberoaks Dr, Azle, TX on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 10:00 am.