FUNERAL SERVICE Stockham Family Funeral Home McPherson, Kansas Friday, April 27, 2012, at 2:00 PM OFFICIATING CLERGY Rev. Karen Rice Ratzlaff SPECIAL MUSIC "Amazing Grace" "The Old Rugged Cross" Lindsey Shaw, vocalist Judy Shaw, pianist CASKETBEARERS Jeff Groves Mark Adams Steve Johnson Donny Barna Ronnie Bland Larry Gene Schmidt MEMORIAL DONATIONS The family suggests that memorial donations be given to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer's Association, or First United Methodist Church in loving memory of Marie. INTERMENT McPherson Cemetery McPherson, Kansas ApPRECIATION On behalf of the family, we wish to express their sincere appreciation for all your kindnesses, evidenced in thought and deed, and for your presence at this service. Stockham Family Funeral Home MARIE E. SCHMI DT I m Nov. 3, 1918 -- APRIL 23, 101 2 . I arie E. Schmidt, daughter of Edison F. and Ella J. (Wiard) .' ' Miller, was born November 3, - 1918, near Conway, Kansas on the family farm seven miles south of Marquette. She was the second youngest of nine children. Marie's father passed away when she was just eight years old, and the family endured many hardships in the years that followed. To make matters worse, her father's death came right in the midst of the Great Depression and the "Dust Bowl Days". Marie received her primary education at Fairview Country School through the eighth grade and then attended McPherson High School. On August 25, 1937, she married Howard D. Schmidt in Lincoln, KS. The couple was blessed with four children, Eulala, Anita, Delinn, and Elaine. The Schmidt's were married 51 years before Howard's passing on December 16,1988. In 1941, the family moved to Newton, Kansas where Howard took a job with the Santa Fe Railroad. As the children grew older, Marie began to work outside the home at retail stores like Montgomery Ward, Sears & Roebuck, and Woolworth's. She also worked at Axtell Hospital and Axtell Clinic before quitting to help Howard in his well drilling and water softening businesses. At one time, they were the longest standing Rainsoft Water Conditioning Franchise in the U.S. and Canada. Marie and Howard enjoyed square dancing and made lots of wonderful friends in many states. Marie also enjoyed sewing and made lots of clothes for her children. She also helped Howard with his hobby of collecting vinegar cruets. For several years, Marie served as a leader for Brownies and Girl Scouts. In 1978, after living in Newton for 37 years, they moved to McPherson. In her spare time, she enjoyed traveling with her children (continued on back)