Mabel Marie (Werth) Schmidt, age 93 passed away Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Via Christi Village, Hays. She was born June 16, 1924 to Genevieve Zimmerman and Theobald Werth on a farm near Schoenchen, Ks. Mabel was one of seven children. At an early age her father contracted TB, died and Genevieve married Jacob Randa who also had seven children. Together an additional five children were born.
Mabel was raised on farms in and around Schoenchen attending both grade and high school there.
On June 16, 1942 Mabel married Richard “Rich” Schmidt and they moved to a farm east of Antonino, Ks. There they raised their nine children: JoAnn, Gary, Elaine, Chuck, Richard, Karen, Dan, Mark and Cecil. Mabel and Rich farmed until 2007 when, due to health, Rich moved to the Via Christi retirement facility with Mabel following in 2013.
Mabel was a farmer, gardener, painter, seamstress and, to her family, the central cook. But most of all she was a devoted mother with deep religious convictions and a devoted wife. Mabel painted many lamps and ornamental items for her children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Her home was the central meeting place for all her family at all the special occasions, family and religious events. And Mabel was never shy on providing moral and ethical insights. She clearly knew right from wrong and lived her life that way.
She is survived by the remaining sons and daughters: JoAnn(Don) Wilcox-Lawrence, Gary(Kathy) Schmidt-Olathe, Elaine(Dennis) Allen-Scott City, Rich(Vicki) Schmidt-Mulvane, Karen Schmidt-Hays, Dan(Joan) Schmidt-Hoisington, Mark(Becky) Schmidt-Wichita, Cecil(Eileen) Schmidt-Wichita; half-sisters, Jennie Reibel and Berniece Randa; 27 grandchildren as well as numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Rich on April 1, 2010; a son, Chuck; two brothers, Severin and Lefty Werth; and sisters, Eleanor Pfannenstiel, Loretta Dinges, Irene Herrman and Edna Dinges.
Private family graveside services will take place at St Anthony Cemetery in Schoenchen, Kansas.
A funeral mass will be held and announced at a later date when the gathering restrictions due to the Covid 19 virus have been lifted.
Arrangements in care of Brock’s-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]