Vera Ann Schmidt's Obituary
Vera Ann Koehn Schmidt was born to Jake and Nettie Unruh Koehn on January 23, 1935, at Halstead Kansas. She peacefully passed away in the afternoon hours of October 16, 2017 at Pine Village Retirement Home in Moundridge, Kansas; reaching the age of 82 years. Death was caused by Lewy Bodies Dementia. She was the youngest of 9 children and grew up in Kansas on her parents’ dairy farm north of Halstead. Mom received her education at Halstead Kansas. She was baptized at the age of 12, by Minister Carl Dirks on February 17, 1947. Mom loved the church and remained faithful to her vows.
At the age of 16 she experienced deep sorrow when her dear daddy passed away. Deep grief came again several years later when her brother Otis passed away in a silo accident. On October 10, 1954 she was married to Merle Ray Schmidt by Minister Carl Dirks. To this union were born five children, one daughter and four sons. She was a loving mother and faithful homemaker. Mom read the Hurlbut’s Bible Story book through to us children many times.
Mom read the Hurlbut’s Bible Story book through to us children many times.
Mom and Dad moved to DeRidder Louisiana in 1977. They later spent time in several CPS units as well as a mission term in Fort Garland Colorado. Mom enjoyed cooking and caring for the CPS boys, and they enjoyed her also. Mom always had a cheerful smile and “hello” for all she met.
Mom enjoyed traveling with Dad. Two trips that she especially enjoyed were a visit to Niagara Falls, and to Kenya to visit Leon’s. Mom enjoyed working with Dad in the various business ventures he pursued.
She looked forward to her children and grandchildren’s visits, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren singing for her. We were recipients of her good cooking and baking. Mom also enjoyed feeding and watching the wild birds. We have memories of a well-worn bird identification book close by her chair.
Those left to cherish her with precious memories are: her husband, Merle; one daughter: Lori and Ronnie Decker, DeRidder Louisiana; Four sons: Ray and Carol, DeRidder Louisiana; Kenton and Dena, Lake Providence, Louisiana; Marlo and Cindy, DeRidder Louisiana; Leon and Sondra, DeRidder Louisiana; One sister: Eileen Dyck of Moundridge Kansas, and one brother: Harley and Alice Koehn of Halstead Kansas, four sisters-in-law: Norma and Orval Mastre of Moundridge, Kansas; Marjorie and Glenn Schmidt of Moundridge Kansas; Joyce and Eugene Toews of Grafton North Dakota; and Mary Ann and Ervin Buller of Moran, Kansas; eighteen grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, five brothers, one sister, and one daughter-in-law.
What’s your fondest memory of Vera?
What’s a lesson you learned from Vera?
Share a story where Vera's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Vera you’ll never forget.
How did Vera make you smile?