Delores Jean (Jones) Schmidt (nee Mills), age 96, passed peacefully to be with Jesus on August 23, 2026 at her daughter’s home in Columbia, Missouri.
Delores is survived by her sister, Anita James, of Wichita, Kansas, sister-in-law, Wahnetta Mills, of Manhattan, Kansas, her daughter Cheryl Ball (Vince), of Apple Valley, Minnesota, her daughter Cindy Johnson (Gary), of Columbia, Missouri, her granddaughter, Kim Kretschmer (Mark) of Hudson, Wisconsin, granddaughter Pam Reynolds (Doug) of Las Vegas, Nevada, step-daughter Sue Schmidt of Richfield, Minnesota, step-son Curt Schmidt (Heidi) of Hudson, Wisconsin, step-daughter Karen Shaw of Apple Valley, Minnesota, step-grandchildren Michaela, Natalie, Matt, Laura, Travis, Kali, and Kelsey, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 step great-grandchildren.
Delores is preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Jones Northfield, Minnesota and her second husband, Robert Schmidt of Lakeville, Minnesota. She is also preceded in death by her brother, Arlin Mills of Ellis, Kansas and her brother-in-law Loyld James of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; her grandson Christopher Ball, her granddaughter Terri McPherren, and her great-granddaughter Emily “Sami” Reynolds.
Delores was born on October 21,1929, in Hamilton, Kansas to the parents of Richard and Muriel Mills. She made her home in several states including California, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Missouri. She delighted in traveling around the US, visiting all 50 states. She also had the opportunity to travel abroad, visiting over 8 different countries. Some of her other interests included golf, square dancing, sewing, quilting, playing the piano and organ.
Delores’ had a servant’s heart. She always found ways to help others in her church and community. She was the church organist for over 15 years, and active in the Women’s Ministry. Delores’ greatest and first love was her family. She made an extraordinary effort to make sure everyone felt special and loved.
Internment service shall occur on October 16th at 11:00, in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Ellis, Kansas. Lunch to follow at the United Methodist Church, 1201 Washington St, Ellis, Kansas.
All memorials should be made out to the Alzheimer’s Association or mailed to Alzheimer’s Association, Attn: Donor Services, 225 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60601
Local services in care of Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Keithley Funeral Chapel, 400 East 17th Street Ellis, Kansas 67637.