Janice Marie Shaffer

Janice Marie Shaffer (Honer), born July 10, 1936, passed away on October 20, 2026 in Clive Iowa, leaving behind a loving family and a lifetime of cherished memories. Jan was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and friend whose life was filled with family, learning, and a love of new experiences. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories and honor Janice’s life at 11:00 am Saturday, October 31, 2026. Celebration of Life begins at 12:00 p.m. followed by a time of fellowship at McLarens Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265. In lieu of flowers you may honor Janice by directing memorials to Suncrest Hospice.

Jan married John David Shaffer on August 8, 1959, and together they shared 67 years of marriage. Their life together was built around family, shared experiences, and the many memories they created throughout the years.

A lifelong educator, she graduated from Rochester High School and attended Hamline University, where she earned her degree in Physical Education with a minor in Biology. Jan began her teaching career at North Shore Country Day School in Winnetka Illinois before teaching at East High School in Des Moines and at St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines. She later added teaching eighth-grade science and math along with Physical Education to her elementary students, sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for learning with generations of students. Jan’s dedication to education was recognized when she received Iowa’s Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence.

Outside the classroom, Jan enjoyed a variety of interests and activities. Jan was a member of Waukee United Methodist church where she was involved in making prayer shawls. She was a synchronized swimmer, loved to swing dance, was an avid bridge player, enjoyed other card games, and working on puzzles. These hobbies reflected her enthusiasm for life and her enjoyment of spending time with others.

After retirement, Jan and John enjoyed international travel and cruises, creating new memories and experiencing the world together. Traveling along the East and West Coasts with family also provided many treasured opportunities to spend time with those she loved most.

Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her husband, John Shaffer; her children, Sondi (Gregg) Dubbs, Barb Mouron, and Larry (Tara); her grandchildren, Sydney(Sean), Shelby, Zoe(Alex), Ian, Spencer(Isabelle), Taylor (Sean), Tommy (Grace), Trevor, TJ, Tristan. Jan’s great-grandchildren are Bradyn, Addilyn, Gabriel, Quinn, Oliver, and Bonnie.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Olivia Honer, her sisters, Betty (Bruce) Hoffman, Shirley (Sheldon) Weil, Ruth (Tom) Roessler, Bev (Dick) Bren and son in law Mark Mouron.

Jan will be remembered for her dedication to teaching, her love of family, her enjoyment of travel and dancing, and the many ways she touched the lives of her students, friends, and loved ones. Her legacy lives on through the generations of family she nurtured and the countless lives she influenced throughout her teaching career.

Jan will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.