Jana Shafer's Obituary
Jana L. Shafer, 54, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care.
Per Jana’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 06, 2025, at Northside Christian Church, Vandalia with Pastor Dennis Warner officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:00-11:00 AM, Monday, at the church. Interment will be held at a later date in Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Jana Lea McDowell was born on December 13, 1970, in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of Ronald Lee and Janet Kay (Cooper) McDowell. She married Hardie Todd Shafer on July 07, 1985. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage and three children.
In her early years, Jana worked as a hair stylist before transitioning to a role as a mold operator at Crane Packing in Vandalia. She had a deep appreciation for nature and animals, with a particular fondness for horses, dogs, and gardening. Jana enjoyed mushroom hunting and cherished the hunting and fishing trips she took with her father, along with the many inside jokes they shared. She treasured the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren.
She will forever be remembered by her father, Ronald McDowell of Vandalia; husband, Todd Shafer of Vandalia; daughter, Lyndsay Doehring and husband Billy of Vandalia; son, Adam Shafer of Vandalia; daughter, Tessa Gaffner and husband Nathan of Smithboro; sister, Kimberly Frederick and husband Bill of Washington, MO; brother, Todd McDowell and wife Christi of Vandalia; mother-in-law, Joan Siebert of Vandalia; sister-in-law, Carol Reeter of Robinson; best friend, Libby Williams of Vandalia; grandchildren, Macy, Jaida, Aleigh, Zayden, Kynlea, Kaiden, Landen, Dawsyn, Liam, Lucas, Amelia, and Waylen; great-grandchildren, Dominic and Roamy; extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet McDowell; paternal grandparents, Glenn “Pat” and Julia McDowell; maternal grandparents, Don and Beatrice Cooper; and her beloved canine companion, Dozer-poe.
The family would like to thank all of the healthcare workers at Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care for the exceptional care they provided to Jana.
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