Mary Jane Ricker, 85, of Nazareth, passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Gracedale, Upper Nazareth Township. Born August 5, 1932 in Easton she was a daughter of the late Harry F. and Elma E. Fehnel Shafer. Her husband Jack passed away in 2010.

Mary Jane was a graduate of Wilson High School, class of 1950. During her life she remained busy raising her family and working. She retired from Keystone Foods after many years. Raised as a farm girl, Mary Jane understood the reward of perseverance and instilled a strong work ethic and good Christian values to her children. She was a kind woman with a unique style of laughter, often causing others to laugh with her. She cherished the company of her grandchildren and great grandchildren who gave her immense joy, amusement and much love.

She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Tatamy, the Hope Quilters and WELCA. Additionally she attended the Arndt's Open Arms Senior Connection and also enjoyed gardening, crocheting and knitting. Along with her husband Jack, Mary Jane was a former member of the Coachmen Ezzgoers Camping Club.

Loved ones left behind include 1 son, John Ricker and his wife Diane of Bushkill Township; 2 daughters, Diane Ricker of Nazareth and Jacquelyn Erdie and her husband Donald of Homosassa, FL; 4 grandchildren, Donald Erdie Jr., Daniel Erdie and his fiancée Adele Brueningsen, Timothy Ricker, Marissa Reed and her husband Howard,; 4 great grandchildren, Ella and Jack Reed, Taylor and Thomas Brueningsen; 4 brothers, Edwin Shafer, Frederick "Fritz" Shafer and his wife Pat, Larry Shafer and his companion Loretta Curtis, and Harry Shafer and his wife Judy; 1 sister, Arlene Finken. Mary Jane was predeceased by brothers, Carl, Howard and Allan.

Friends are invited to a viewing, Tuesday evening from 6-7:30 pm, and Wednesday, from 10-11 am, in the Schmidt Funeral Home, 407 Belvidere St., Nazareth. A funeral service will follow at 11 am Wednesday, in the funeral home, with Pastor Herbert C. Dolich presiding. Mary Jane will be laid to rest in Arndt's Cemetery, Forks Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be offered to Hope Lutheran Church, PO Box 237, Tatamy, PA 18085 or Arndt's Open Arms Senior Connection, c/o Arndt's Lutheran Church, 1851 Arndt Rd., Easton, PA 18040.