Audrey J. Schaeffer

Audrey J. Schaeffer, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, Audrey was the daughter of the late Frank A. and Sarah D. (Rodewald) Geiss. Before beginning her professional career, she worked on the family farm. She later served as a telephone operator for Bell Telephone in Merrill, Wisconsin, before finding her passion in the culinary arts. Audrey served as an executive chef manager at a nursing home for nearly two decades. She was known for her strong work ethic, dedication, and the care she put into everything she did.

Audrey proudly served her country in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother who treasured the fact that she had the opportunity to hold each one of her great grandchildren. As a beloved aunt and great-aunt, she had a special place in her heart for her nieces, nephews, cousins, and their children, and treasured the time she spent with her extended family and friends. One of her fondest recent memories was attending the Geiss family reunion in 2024.

A faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Audrey enjoyed attending church and reading the Bible. She had a deep love for animals and was an avid knitter and reader. She was very patriotic and, although naturally shy and reserved, she greatly enjoyed being together with the people she loved. Audrey loved playing cards, board games and doing word searches. She also had a fondness for Westerns and country music.

Audrey was the beloved wife of the late Richard B. Schaeffer, who passed away in 2000. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila L. Yasher; her sons: Richard D. Schaeffer, Frank A. Schaeffer, William D. Schaeffer, James M. Schaeffer, and Charles S. Schaeffer; eight grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; five nieces; five nephews; 13 grand nieces and nephews; and 28 great grand nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Audrey was preceded in death by her sister, Marcella J. (Geiss) Barkley.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 336 Franklin St, West Reading, 19611. The family will receive friends and relatives from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the service, Audrey will be laid to rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville.

Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc. is honored to serve the Schaeffer family. Condolences may be recorded at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.