Opal Schmidt's Obituary
Opal (Schmidt) Schmidt was born to Andrew and Eva Smith Schmidt on November 1, 1931, at Morton, Texas. She peacefully departed this life February 1, 2015, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Boise, Idaho, reaching the age of 83 years and 3 months. Her death was caused by complications from a massive stroke.
Mother, together with her parents and siblings, moved to DeRidder in January 1938. Her father did truck farming and she learned to work hard. As a young woman she was employed in the medical profession where she made many friends and fond memories.
She was united in marriage to our dad, Allen Schmidt on April 10, 1960. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for almost 55 years. To this union were born two sons and two daughters. She lost two of those children in infancy, causing her deep sorrow.
Mom loved gardening, sharing often the fruits of her labors with others. She learned to sew, but not until after she was married. This was accomplished only through many times of prayer; kneeling beside her sewing machine.
Mom had a heart for others, taking in her nephew’s boys and trying to guide them in the right way. When her sister needed help, she took her in, feeling that was what the Lord was asking her to do. Her children and grandchildren were all very precious to her and she spent much time in prayer for them.
At the first of the year, Dad and Mom made the move from the home place at DeRidder, Louisiana to be close to their son and his family in Idaho. We were anticipating more good times together, but God had other plans. He saw the road was long enough and called her home to Glory.
Mom was an excellent home maker, a good cook, hospitable and always ready to listen to others, an elegant lady. Through the struggles and trials of life, Mom looked for the silver lining and sought that complete submission to God’s will.
Those left to cherish precious memories are her husband, Allen; son, Lester and wife, Joyce, Buhl, Idaho; daughter, Alvina and husband, Ruben Madrid, Goltry, Oklahoma; her grandchildren; Gary (Martha), Melissa (Denny), Quinton (Renae), Kyle, Ryan (Joni), Daphne, Alec and seven great-grandchildren. Five brothers; Clifford Schmidt, DeRidder, Louisiana; Frank Schmidt, Montezuma, Kansas; Harry and Laura Jane Schmidt, Texhoma, Oklahoma; Louie and Marjorie Schmidt, DeRidder, Louisiana; Jonathan and Lillian Schmidt, Hydro, Oklahoma; one sister, Nina Schmidt, DeRidder, Louisiana; one sister-in-law, Arlene Schmidt, Elkhorn, Nebraska. Preceding her in death were her two infants, her parents, one brother, two sisters, and two sisters-in law.
Viewing will be held at Highland Mennonite Church on Friday, February 6, 2015, from 6 to 9 in the evening. The funeral service will start at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 7, 2015, under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home of DeRidder, LA.
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