Libbia “Libby” Rose (Bailey) Schaefer passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 13, 2022, at the home of her son Bill Schaefer and Jamie Erickson near Burns. Her husband, Dennis, was at her side.

Libby was born in Burns, at the Burns Maternity Home on Feb. 17, 1942, and spent her formative years on the Bailey ranch near Diamond. After retiring, Libby’s parents moved to Middleton, Idaho, where she went to high school. Libby attended Ambassador College in Pasadena, Calif., where she met Dennis Schaefer. They were married Aug. 10, 1963, and moved to the Schaefer farm west of Tripp, S.D. 

Libby devoted her life to her husband and their seven children. Between kids’ shenanigans, she loved caring for the farm animals and the family’s huge garden. There was little time for hobbies, but she enjoyed studying health and nutrition.

After moving around for a few years Libby and Dennis retired near Fields. With several of their children living in the area, she was able to enjoy more time with her grand and great grandchildren.

Libby was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Maxine (Kern) Bailey; her brothers, Tom, Walt, Fred, and Bob Bailey; her sister, Colleen Hutcheon; and one infant granddaughter. 

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Schaefer; seven children, Rose Dykstra (David Martinek), June (Fred) Maupin, Bill Schaefer (Jamie Erickson), Tom (Sabrina) Schaefer, Naomi (Pete) Casey, Dorothy Styles, and Abraham (Katrena) Schaefer; as well as 20 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Monday, Dec. 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Center in the Harney County Chamber of Commerce. A light meal will be provided. Cards may be sent to 31642 L5 Ln, Burns, OR 97720.