JoAnn Shaeffer

JoAnn Fay Erickson Phillips Shaeffer

Passed peacefully, at the Fairfield Medical Center on Tuesday January 8, 2019, with her daughter, Deborah Monger by her side.

The only child born to Harvey E. and Olga T. Erickson in Grand Forks, North Dakota on Valentine’s Day, JoAnn would have been 88 years young, in February. JoAnn attended most of her primary school years out of state, but graduated from Lancaster High School in 1948.

Before declining in health the past year and a half, JoAnn lived her life to the fullest and absolutely in her own way.

As a licensed social worker, JoAnn spent close to 40 years serving children and families in Fairfield and Pickaway counties, a career and passion she deeply cherished. Taking over the helm from Edward C. Rutherford, Superintendent of the Fairfield County Children’s Home in 1971, she served as the Executive Secretary of the Fairfield County Children Services Board for 12 years, before going on to Pickaway County Job and Family Services for another 20 years before retirement in 1999 ending a most satisfying career.

JoAnn leaves behind her only daughter Deborah J. Phillips (Jon) Monger, 2 grandsons who were the love of her life, Nicholas A. Mast of Santa Rosa, CA. and Christopher C. (Jennifer) Mast of Los Angeles, CA. Sisters-in-law, Virginia Shaeffer Chrismer of Columbus Ohio and Barbara Shaeffer (Kermit) Hommell of Kettering Ohio, and many nieces and nephews from both the Phillips and Shaeffer families.

As JoAnn was raised as a Lutheran, she always began and ended each day with prayer. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Lancaster, Ohio for many years.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert J. “Tiny” Phillips in 1984 and her second husband, Theodore (Ted) R. Shaeffer in 2017.

Caring Cremation has taken place thru the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, Lancaster OH. At JoAnn’s request, no calling hours will be observed. A memorial and celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family expresses Heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to caregivers Tammie, Jessie, Jackie, Christie and Loretta who enabled JoAnn to remain in her own home with loving attention and excellent care.

Tokens of remembrance may be offered to the Fairfield County Humane Society, 1721 Granville Pike, Lancaster OH 43130.