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Raymond Leroy Shaffer Obituary

Raymond Leroy Shaffer of Stevensville, MI went to his eternal home in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. His mother Janet Hennon gave birth to him on January 15, 1956, at Pawating Hospital in Niles, MI.

Ray grew up in Galien, MI with his Mom, Dad (Gordan) and brother, Brian. He was loved by his Aunts, Uncles and many cousins. He enjoyed his dog, newspaper route, and talking with truck drivers on his CB radio. Ray also enjoyed riding on the school bus with his Mom, who was the bus driver. He enjoyed riding with the Galien High School football team to their games, even sharing his comic books with the head coach, Dick Bartz. He also enjoyed attending Camp Leo in the summers.

Later on, Ray attended Blossomland Learning Center where he met his life-long girlfriend of 45 years, Laurene Marchewka! Ray was employed at Gateway in Berrien Springs, MI for several years. While there, he met Community Living Support Worker, Bob Schindler.

Ray came to live with Bob and John Schindler, who loved him and accepted him as a brother, in their home in Stevensville in 2011. He enjoyed traveling with his care giver, John Schindler, to John’s concerts and preaching opportunities in various churches. Ray loved staying at hotels! He traveled with John to 18 states. Ray loved Jesus with a child-like faith. He liked to write down Bible verses or song lyrics that John (a Gospel singer and evangelist) would sing or preach about. He also at one time was a member of Sunshine Circle and Sunshine Kids.

Ray loved cars and trucks! He had a large collection of matchbox cars and trucks. He became a good bowler, even bowling a 199! He also enjoyed fishing (even catching salmon on Lake Michigan!), watching golf, and phoning his friends and family frequently throughout each day. He liked to eat at Shemmy’s restaurant. Finally, he enjoyed visiting friends each July 4 at Gravel Lake, where he would drive the Pontoon boat

Raymond will be missed by all of us! We praise the Lord that he is now fully alive in mind and spirit in the presence of Jesus! He is survived by his brother Brian, Aunt Marilyn Sunday and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service is scheduled for Monday, June 24 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Berrien Springs.

Memorial gifts in Ray’s memory can be given to John Schindler Ministries, 2280 Shiawasee Lane, Stevensville, MI 49127.

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