Joni Jean Shaffer, age 66, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 9, 2026. Born January 11, 1960, in Chambersburg, she was a daughter of the late John and Janet Leasure. She attended James Buchanan High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Ray (Butch) Shaffer, on November 17, 1975, and traded in small-town farm life for the adventure of being a military wife, while Ray served in the Marines. Ray preceded her in death in August of 2016.

Joni is survived by four children; Heather Carbaugh, Justin Shaffer, Josh Shaffer, and Heidi Martin; two sons-in-law, Barak Martin, and James Rice; one daughter-in-law, Julie Shaffer; seven grandchildren, Amayah, Austin, Cabella, Sophia, Oliver, Ethan, and Isaac; two brothers and their wives, John and Virginia Leasure, Jr., and Jody and Jackie Leasure. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law Duffy Carbaugh.

Joni was a stay-at-home mom for 34 years and cherished being a wife, mom, and grandmother. After her children were grown, she worked as a medical transcriptionist and a freelance writer.

Joni enjoyed living in the mountain surrounded by the beauty of nature. She loved being outdoors, feeding and watching the birds, and flower gardening. She enjoyed writing, Bible journaling, studying the Bible, poetry, listening to music, cooking, baking, quilting, sewing, counted-cross stitch, reading, photography, decorating, and growing houseplants. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Joni was a member of the creative/poetry writers' group (HOP), Compel for Writers, Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, and Flourish Writers.

Joni was a member of Grand Point Church, Chambersburg. She enjoyed serving on the Connections Team, Prayer Team, and helping co-lead the Embrace ministry for widows. Attending worship services at Grand Point was her favorite part of the week. She was a strong woman of faith who consistently prayed for her loved ones and relied on God's word to get her through difficult times.

Joni was passionate about writing and enjoyed blogging and sharing her photography on her website at www.jonishaffer.com. She was committed to encouraging women to find true fulfillment in life by seeking a personal relationship with Jesus.

One of her favorite Bible verses was Isaiah 40:31:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

As per Joni's wishes, those wishing to honor her memory are encouraged to attend a Worship Night at Grand Point Church, 2230 Grand Point Road, Chambersburg, PA 17202 (TBD.) At the discretion of the family, a private graveside service will be held at Fort Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, PA, where she will be laid to rest with her husband, Butch. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grand Point Church, address above.    www.agettlakjer.com