Goldie Elizabeth Schaefer, 97, of Olathe, Kansas, died on January 20th, 2026 at Santa Marta Retirement Community. Visitation will be at from 9:30 to 10:30 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM on Saturday, January 31st at Queen of the Holy Rosary Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, KS. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the service. Interment will be at 1:30 PM at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 7023 W. 71st St., Overland Park, Kansas.
Goldie was born on April 5th, 1928 to Lila Farley Walls, in her grandmother’s farmhouse in Steedman, Mo. She grew up on her grandparents’ farm surrounded by loving aunts and uncles, a dog named Buddy and giant watermelons. For high school, she moved to Raytown, MO to live with her mother, Lila, and stepfather, Paul Schaefer. She graduated from Raytown High School in 1946.
Goldie met her future husband, Bernard (Bud) Schaefer, through her stepfather’s family on the Joseph Schaefer family farm in Linn, MO. They corresponded throughout Bud’s time of service in the U.S. Navy and were married in Kansas City, MO on August 21st, 1948. They celebrated 75 years of marriage in 2023 before Bud’s death in April, 2024. Goldie was a homemaker, worked for the IRS and at her children’s grade school, St. Louis School on Swope Parkway. She finished her career working at a Lincoln National Life Insurance Agency for 18 years eventually becoming the office manager. In retirement Goldie and Bud enjoyed traveling around the world visiting The Holy Land, India, China, Egypt, Europe and more. Their children and grandchildren were treated to several family cruises. Goldie attended Mass daily at her church, Queen of the Holy Rosary, and enjoyed making her sought after sour cream coffee cakes for the bake sales, participating in a Ladies’ Circle and playing bridge with good friends. She continued her practice of attending daily Mass as health permitted at Santa Marta Retirement Community. She was appreciative of Fr. Frank Burger and the Eucharistic Ministers who brought communion to those residents physically unable to attend Mass.
Goldie was a faithful woman of great compassion who taught her family the values of service, charity and hard work. Goldie was “Grammy” to 7 grandchildren and was involved in their daily lives. When Grammy was present a hot meal appeared on the table, the floor sparkled and laundry was washed and folded! Goldie was able to delight in 4 great granddaughters and 1 great grandson.
Goldie is survived by her four children and their spouses, Dennis and Janet Schaefer of Overland Park, KS, Mark and Kathy Schaefer of Spring, TX, Karen and Paul Camarata of Overland Park, KS, and Kathy and John Lubetich of Silverdale, WA. Her grandchildren and spouses are Sarah and Tim White, Brian Schaefer, Gina and John Tierney, Chris Camarata and Jackie Piszczek, Laura and Joe Szczybor, Kelsey and Ken McMaster and Shannon Lubetich. Her great grandchildren are Lina, Lily, Lila, Francis and Margaret. Goldie is survived by her brother, Ronald Schaefer, of Glasgow, MO. Special thanks to the staff of Santa Marta Health Services for their patience and loving care over the past few years.