Obituary

Luella D. Schmidt, 82, died Wednesday (May 12, 2010) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.

She was born on Oct. 15, 1927, in Goessel, the daughter of Arnold T. and Marie (Flaming) Schmidt. Luella graduated from Goessel High School. On April 23, 1949, she married Eldon “Chick” R. Schmidt. He preceded her in death.
Luella was a member of Whitestone Mennonite Church of Hesston.

She had a passion and talent for playing the piano and the organ during her lifetime. She also was the choir director for her church.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary Jantz of North Newton and Janet Freeman of Wichita; six grandchildren, Tricia Jantz of Newton, Joshua Jantz of Hesston, Lauren Kirsch, Shauna Kirsch, Courtney Kirsch and Carley Kirsch, all of Wichita; brothers, Arlo and Orville Schmidt; and a son-in-law, Mike Kirsch of Wichita. Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; daughter, Janice Kirsch; brother, Virgil Schmidt; and a sister, Wilma Schmidt.

Memorial services will be at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Schowalter Villa in Hesston. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, with the family greeting from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton.
Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund at Schowalter Villa.