Marga Ruth Schaefer

In Loving Memory of Marga Ruth Janke Schaefer

A life filled with faith, family, friends, benevolence, and love.

Marga was the widow of the Rev. James F. Schaefer, formerly of Trinity Lutheran Church in Porterville, where she remained very active after his death in 1982, serving on the altar guild, as a greeter, and in many other capacities over decades.

She is survived by her son James "Marty" Schaefer, his wife Rebecca, and his son James William; son Michael Schaefer and his wife Tracie and their daughters Ellie and Kylie; son John and his husband Paco; and her brother Paul Janke and his wife Arlene; their children Tim Janke, Katie Abercrombie, Gretchen Koeth, and Jon Janke, and their families. She dearly loved her entire family.

A beloved resident of Porterville, CA <https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/california/porterville>, Marga was born in Albany, CA <https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/california/albany> on Dec 5, 1943. She passed to eternal life on Feb 28, 2026, at the age of 82. She had begun to experience the early onset of dementia and feared spending years without knowing the life she had lived before and the people around her. After a severe illness in Dec of 2025, she realized that the life she knew and loved had come to an end. She spoke of longing to be with Jesus and her body began to shut down. In her final hours, loved ones assured her of God's love and theirs. We prayed with her, sang to her, and comforted her. She passed peacefully early in the morning.

Marga was raised in El Cerrito, CA <https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/california/el-cerrito> where her father, Ortwin "Rod" Janke, was a highly respected Lutheran minister. He and her mother, Bertha, were prominent in the community. They instilled in her a deep faith in God and a desire to carry out Christ's command to love and serve those around her that she showed throughout her life.

Marga earned a BA from Fresno State University and moved to Porterville to begin a distinguished career in Special Education. Over the years she worked at Good Shephard Lutheran Home in Terra Bella, CA, at Porterville State Hospital, and at Lillian B. Hill School. She was known for her dedication to her clients. She also sold Avon for many years.

Marga was a model band, choir, and sports parent for three very active boys throughout their childhoods. She cheered them on in games and musical performances in K-8, and at Monache High School. She was commended for her support through participation in parent groups, fundraisers, and whatever would ensure that the boys thrived in their endeavors. Marga cooperated with fellow parents, forging lasting friendships throughout the community. She was proud of the great success and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren..

Marga loved to read until it became difficult due to her eyesight, and to chat with friends. She had a healthy sense of humor.

Losing her husband at such an early age brought specific challenges. Life as a minister's daughter prepared her for the unique responsibilities and pressures of being a minister's wife. Her work with special needs clients informed her ability to assist her husband Jim as he wrestled with Multiple Sclerosis, severe hearing loss, and his eventual bout with fatal lung cancer. Her faith in God never wavered, and she witnessed to the people around her.

The family is deeply grateful for the love and care shown to Marga as her health diminished these past four years. A group effort allowed her to remain in her home right up until her last illness in December. She loved you all so much.

Marga's remains were cremated and placed in a lovely urn adorned by her favorite flowers, yellow roses. Many in our family are educators, so there will be a memorial service for Marga at Trinity Lutheran Church in Porterville in June. We will communicate details as they become finalized.

Services are to be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Porterville, California on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:30 AM.

The family requests that anyone desiring to make a donation in Marga's memory do so at any of the following organizations:

Trinity Lutheran Church

www.tlc-porterville.org <http://www.tlc-porterville.org/>

Lutheran World Relief

www.lwr.org <http://www.lwr.org/>

The Gifted Event

www.thegiftedevent.com <http://www.thegiftedevent.com/>

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store <https://sympathy.legacy.com/en-us/funeral-flowers/productdetails/?type=obituary&p=211189424&pn=marga-schaefer&affiliateId=2390&sku=tre-tim&pm=240>.