Mary Belle Shafer

Mary Belle (Spradlin) Shafer was born on March 28, 1928, in Jones, Oklahoma, to Clarence Lester Spradlin and Melinda Myrtle Mae (Ballard) Spradlin. She grew up in a close-knit family alongside her siblings—Charles, Juanita, Christine, Clarence (Pete), and Harold—whose bond remained strong throughout their lives, rooted in love, laughter, and shared memories.

Her family were sharecroppers, and her early years were spent helping work on the farm where she learned to hate picking cotton. The Spradlin's eventually moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma, where Mary completed her education. It was there, during a spirited high school football game against Lawton, that she met Glenn Joseph Shafer. Glenn was immediately taken with the Chickasha charm, and not long after, he and Mary were married on June 30, 1946.

Together, Mary and Glenn built a life full of adventure and devotion. They began in Chickasha, then followed work opportunities to Van Nuys, California—where their first son, Gary Kent, was born. They later returned closer to home in Bethany, Oklahoma, where their second son, John Michael, joined the family. Eventually, they settled in Wichita, Kansas, where they raised their children and created a home filled with faith, family, and community.

Professionally, Mary thrived in roles that allowed her to connect with others. She worked as a floor supervisor at Sta-Krisp Potato Chip Company and later as a counselor at The Diet Center, both in Wichita. Her warmth, sincerity, and natural leadership made her a beloved colleague and friend.

Faith was the cornerstone of Mary’s life. She and Glenn were founding members of Crossroads Baptist Church in Wichita, where they remained active for decades. Some years after Glenn’s passing, Mary moved to Shorewood, Illinois, to be closer to her son, Gary (Renee) and his family—including her cherished grandson, John (Katherine), and great-grandchildren, Margo and Jack. Even then, she continued to attend church services virtually each week—until her computer finally gave out.

Music and movement brought Mary joy in her later years. Her daughter-in-law, Renee, an accomplished pianist, would make the three-hour drive to visit, and Mary proudly told everyone at the center that Renee would be playing. Renee’s mini piano concerts, complete with requests from residents at the center, made Mary feel special and celebrated. Mary also organized a “walking club” at the center, leading laps around the building on nice days and navigating all three floors on rainy ones—proudly holding the title of fastest walker with a walker.

Oklahoma always held a special place in Mary’s heart. No matter where life took her, she remained a loyal fan of the OU Sooners, cheering them on in football and basketball. Her love over the years, extended to her dogs, but her greatest passion was people. She had a gift for making friends and keeping them close, often starting her mornings with a quick call to her brother-in-law Jesse—especially on game days.

Mary is survived by her son, Gary (Renee Leighton) Shafer; grandson, John (Katherine) Shafer; and great-grandchildren, Margo and Jack. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Glenn; her son, John Michael; and her siblings, Charles, Juanita, Christine, Pete and Harold.

A funeral service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM with a graveside service following in the Garden of Gethsemane. Both at Resthaven Mortuary and Gardens of Memory, 11800 West Highway 54, Wichita, KS 67209.