Obituary of Josephine Fager-Shaw

Josephine Fager-Shaw passed away quietly into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 28, 2009, at her home in Colorado Springs, CO. She fought a valiant battle with Cancer for over a year. Josephine was born June 1, 1922 in Goodland KS, to Cecil & Esther Charles. The family moved to Eads, Colorado and then later to Flagler. This was during the hardship days of the “dirty 30’s”. Josephine, being the oldest of six children, worked in the fields and did chores. She graduated from Flagler High School in 1940, during which time she earned a scholarship to Blair Business College. Finances were tight and she was not able to take advantage of her scholarship, so she went back to Goodland, KS, where she worked for her room and board at a printing place for $1.50 a week. It was also during this time that she took a Post Graduate course in Shorthand, Bookkeeping and Typing. After completion of that, she went to work for two attorneys (Dorkhorn/Horton). She was a Court-Reporter for them (using her shorthand) for several interesting cases. During WWII, her childhood sweetheart, Virgil Fager, moved to Wichita, KS to work for Cessna Aircraft. She followed him there where she worked in a factory and at the Sears Credit Dept.. They were married in Wichita in July of 1942, and later moved back to Flagler. Josephine was employed at Smith Service and Wards Bookkeeping for several years. In 1975 they moved to Colorado Springs, where Virgil worked on highway construction. Virgil passed away in 1998 after 56 wonderful years together. It was to this union, three children were born: Darlene, Jeanetta and Donald. Virgil’s youngest sister, Shirley, came to live with them for several years after their mother passed away. To this day, Shirley calls Josephine her “Mom “. After Virgil’s passing, God again blessed her with another wonderful man and special companion until the end of her life. She married G. Wallace Shaw in May of 2004, and became a stepmother to his son, Don Shaw. Wallace was by her side and cared for her through her illness. Josephine was 6yrs. old when she accepted Christ as her Savior. She was steadfast in her Christianity throughout her life. Her greatest joy was teaching Sunday School for over 25 years, and serving in many areas of her church. While her children grew up, she insisted on instilling Christian values and morals in them by being an example of love and compassion. She was their leader for Brownie & Girl Scouts, Den Mother for Cub Scouts, and worked in their schools and PTA. After raising her children, Josephine always wanted to continue her education, so she enrolled in night school, taking courses in IBM and other computer classes. She was employed at Penrose Hospital for 9 yrs. and retired under the department of Material Management. Josephine is survived by her children, Darlene (Dale) Lucore of Calhan, CO, Jeanetta Pierce of Col Springs, CO and Donald (Ginger) Fager of Col Springs, CO, Don Shaw of Col Springs, CO and Shirley (Richard) Duncan of Kennewick, WA; sisters, Irene Travis of Akron, CO and Joyce (Glenn) Saffer of Flagler, CO; brothers, Merle D. Charles of Pea Ridge, AK and Duane (Loretta) Charles of Flagler, CO; grandchildren, Shane (Megan) Lucore of Angels Camp, CA, Tanya (Jason) Gerstberger of Oakley, KS and Krista Fager of Col Springs, CO; and great grandchildren, Reata Jalene Lucore and Austin Denay Gerstberger. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. Josephine was preceded in death by her first husband, Virgil; her parents, Cecil & Esther Charles; and her brother, Delmar Charles.