IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

‘Tillie’ Schafers

A Mass of Christian Burial for Esther Matilda “Tillie” Schafers, 94, Marion, who passed away Friday, Aug. 14, 2026, at St. Luke Hospital, will be celebrated by Fathers Lies and Blasi at 10 a.m. Saturday at Holy Family Parish in Marion.

Tillie’s family will gather with friends from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday at Yazel-Megli Funeral Home in Marion. A Rosary prayer will be recited at 6:30 p.m. at Holy Family Parish.

Tillie will be laid to rest in Marion Cemetery.

Tillie’s life began Sept. 22, 1931, in Arkansas City. Her parents were Cruz and Celestine Esparza. She was united in marriage to Anthony “Tony” Schafers on Sept. 12, 1953.

Tillie was chief financial officer of Tony’s Plumbing, worked at St. Luke Hospital as a certified nursing assistant, and enjoyed designing flower arrangements at Conyers Flowers.

Her greatest joy was her loving family, including her two sons, Dennis (and wife Pat) Schafers of Topeka and Leonard (and wife Donna) Schafers of Newton; grandchildren Jason (and wife Becky) Schafers of Marion, Travis (and wife Kelley) Schafers of Marion, Shawn (and wife Elizabeth) Schafers of Newton, and Joseph Gootee-Schafers, Mary Gootee-Schafers, John Gootee-Schafers, and Ben Gootee-Schafers, all of Topeka; great-grandchildren Bridgette (and husband Ryan), Amanda (and husband Nick), Jerid, David, Stevan, Haiti, Jay Dee (and husband Dakota), Emily (and husband Presley), Trevor, Sarah, Santiago, Saurora, Damyon, Dominic, and Taegan; and great-great-grandchildren Owen, Ellis, Isla, Addy, Aaliyah, Ashlynn, and Beckett.

Tillie was the true anchor of her family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, strength, and unconditional love.

She possessed a rare ability to make anyone feel comfortable at home the moment they walked through her door. Her home was a sanctuary filled with laughter, comfort, and unforgettable cooking.

Her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught and the love she freely shared. Though she is dearly missed, her memory remains a guiding light and a constant comfort to everyone who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tony, daughter-in-law Pat, great-grandson Jerid, and siblings Doris, Edward, Bernita, Barnabas, John.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to Holy Family Parish.

Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of Tillie at yazelmeglifh.com.