Patricia Ann ‘Pat’ Shaffer

Patricia Ann “Pat” Shaffer, 74, of Dongola, died peacefully on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at her home, with her family at her side. 

She was born on April 27, 1949, in Anna, the daughter of Wilborn and Nina (Gulley) Goines. 

She married Larry Shaffer on April 27, 1973, in Dongola. 

She is survived by her husband, Larry of Dongola; one son, Jon Shaffer and wife Tricia of Anna; two grandsons, Drew Shaffer and wife Hana and Brandon Shaffer, all of Dongola; one brother, Brad Goines and wife Tori of Jonesboro; a sister, Jody Duckworth and husband Donnie of Wetaug; sisters-in-law Deborah Pass of Herrin and Karen Goines of Moultrie, Ga.; a special cousin she spoke with daily, Mary Ann Bush; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Pat loved all her family unconditionally. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Suzie Goines; brothers Roger and Eddie Goines; her mother and father-in-law, Elsie and Russell Shaffer; and a brother-in-law, Michael Pass. 

Pat was a lifelong member of the Wetaug Church of Christ. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family. She loved her boys. She and Larry enjoyed many trips, often with their grandsons, even if it meant sleeping in the car in a Wal-Mart parking lot when all the hotels seemed to be booked. 

Pat had a passion for taking care of people. As a nurse, she served the residents of City Care Center in Anna for over 20 years before shifting gears and caring for students at the Southern Illinois University Student Health Center. After 21 years of service, she retired from SIU in 2012. Her skills as a nurse didn’t stop there...she was always caring for her family.

The Shaffer family would like to say a special thank you to “our nurse” Tori for her overwhelming care, compassion and support. There are no words to express the gratitude we feel for you. 

Funeral services for Patricia Ann “Pat” Shaffer were at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 9, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Brent Miller officiating. Interment followed at Christian Chapel Cemetery in Dongola. 

Memorials can be made to Christian Chapel Cemetery or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

To visit Pat’s memorial page and to leave online condolences for her family, visit the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home website at rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.