Updated 3/11 - Visitation information corrected on March 14. 

Glenda Dawn (Raef) Schaefer passed away on March 8, 2022, at the age of 75.

She was born October 19, 1946, to Charles Eugene Raef and Kathryne Harshbarger Raef in Van Buren, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Charles Raef (Kathy). On June 1, 1968, she married William Schaefer and celebrated 53 years together. They have three children, Olivia (Philip) Blanton, Nathaniel (Carie), and Jeffrey (Kerrie), five grandchildren, Tristan, Josephine, Violet, Taylor, Conner, and special friend Amanda Almond.

Glenda lived a life of service and if there was an opportunity to volunteer, she was willing and happy to do so. She founded the St. Charles Humane Society (now Five Acres Animal Shelter) in 1973 and worked tirelessly with officials, veterinarians, and animal control to help save animals and give them another chance at a wonderful life. She served on the executive board for many years and taught Pet Education programs at the library and local elementary schools. She also worked on a cable television program, “For Pet’s Sake.” 

Glenda’s greatest passion was education. She began her career at Francis Howell High School, where she taught math from 1969-1976. After taking time off to start a family she went back to work helping others by teaching GED for 10 years in Wentzville and Warrenton. She was so proud of her students when they passed their final test. Then she went to work for the St. Charles City-County Library District at the Boone’s Trail Branch in New Melle for 17 years as a Paraprofessional. She loved researching questions and worked hard to help everyone.

She was a proud alumna of the Lindenwood University class of ‘68. She also later received her MS degree in Corporate Communications. Glenda also briefly taught college math as an adjunct professor at Lindenwood. She loved serving on the St. Charles Lindenwood Alumni Club board and helping with many fundraisers to benefit student scholarships. She was also a recipient of the Alumni Merit Award. 

Glenda enjoyed volunteering at her church, Dardenne Presbyterian and loved when she co-led the Hidden Hands Puppet ministry. Glenda was a wonderful, brilliant, creative, and humble woman who had strong faith and always used her time and talents to joyfully serve her community. She will be deeply missed by all, but the lives she touched leave a remarkable legacy. 

Visitation: Monday, March 14, 2022, 5 to 8 p.m. Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 S. Outer Rd 364, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368. Service: Tuesday, March 15, 2022, 10 a.m. at Dardenne Presbyterian Church, 7400 S. Outer Rd 364, Dardenne Prairie, MO 63368.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Lindenwood University Sibley Scholarship, and Five Acres Animal Shelter.