Jane Shafer

Jane Gallacher Shafer was born to Willie and Edna Gallacher in Carrizozo, New Mexico on September 28, 1925 and passed away March 24, 2025 at 99 ½ years. She left this world in her home where she had lived for over 60 years, a few miles down the road from the house where she grew up with younger brother William "Bill" Gallacher, Jr and sister Anne Gallacher Ferguson.

Jane graduated from Carrizozo High School as both class valedictorian and carnival queen, and then attended Stephens College in Missouri for a year. Being away from home was not for her, so she returned to Carrizozo and then attended the University of New Mexico to study music, later completing her degree in Music Education at Western New Mexico University.

About this time she became engaged to Robert M. "Bob" Shafer, her school sweetheart. After he returned from World War II service in the Pacific Theater, they were married on May 5, 1946, a union that lasted for 66 years. While they were living in Carrizozo, Jane's father asked if they would come out to the ranch to manage the Lewis place, which they happily did and that was where they would spend the rest of their lives.

Jane was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She pursued excellence in everything she did, and set that example for her family. She was a superb cook, whether in her home kitchen or with a Dutch oven over coals out in the pasture. Among the cowboys she was especially renowned for her fried chicken. She made countless pies for Cowbelle fundraisers, and dozens of cookies every Christmas, including Scotch shortbread, the recipe for which was a closely held secret released to family members on a need-to-know basis.

She could grow anything, from exotic flowers to apricot, peach, and cherry trees, gooseberry bushes, and along with Bob maintained a large garden behind the house. Jane was a crack bridge player, often anticipating an opponent's next card. Most of all she enjoyed being with her friends.

Among all these talents, the area where Jane perhaps shined the brightest was at the piano. The Methodist church in Carrizozo was treated to great performances for over half a century, and the whole town came out for the Christmas cantatas she accompanied for nearly as long. She also played the piano at the Nogal Mesa Ranchmen's Camp Meeting, of which she was a devoted attendee. Many children in Lincoln County were fortunate to have her as a piano teacher as she patiently taught generations of students. She was also very active in Cowbelles and was a charter member of the Carrizozo Canyon Cowbelles.

Jane had an irrepressible curiosity and a razor sharp mind. She was a close study of human behavior, and was always three steps ahead. She was also tough. No one in her family can remember a time when she complained.

Jane did not dwell on the past; she held on to things that were important, but was more than willing to let go of the clutter as she kept her focus on what was ahead. Regardless of her age, she never spoke of things 'back in her day.' Every day was her day; she was engaged with the world to the far reaches of her nineties, closely following the news-both in Lincoln County and the world at large-and texting her grandchildren frequently. She delighted in experiencing the world first-hand, traveling across the US, Canada, and Europe, and on annual fishing trips to Arizona. And if it were possible to melt a Kindle from overuse, Jane would have done it.

Life is finite; it's the way of things, and Jane's was just shy of a century, but we are sure going to miss her. She was a connection to the past, to the Gallachers from Scotland, and was a constant source of reason and wisdom. No one can replace her, but her family and friends will endeavor to carry on the example she set.

She is survived by her two sons: Scott and wife Rosemary and their three children, Keri (husband Drew with children Cora, Mikayla and Jack), Rob and Jennifer, and Billy Bob and wife Ginger and their sons Keith and wife Jana and J. R. and wife Sarah. She has 6 great-grandchildren, Keith's children Harrison, Katherine, and Preston and J. R.'s children Hadley, Cooper, and Hayden. She is also survived by her sister Anne Ferguson and many nieces and nephews. Jane was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her brother Bill, and her parents Willie and Edna.

Donations can be made to the Carrizozo Community Methodist Church, Box 513, Carrizozo, NM, 88301 or Nogal Mesa Ranchmen's Camp Meeting, Box 86, Nogal, NM,88341.