Obituary

Susan Schmidt, 103 1⁄2, went peacefully to Heaven on Christmas morning (December 25, 2010) with her daughter and granddaughter holding her in their arms.

Susan (Unruh) Schmidt was born on July 19, 1907, to John A. and Elizabeth Unruh in Goessel. Susan was one of eight children in the Unruh family. She married Nickolia Schmidt on Oct. 26, 1926, at Goessel Mennonite Church in Goessel. They were blessed to welcome five children into their family. After they married, they welcomed Julia Regier, Susan Duerksen and Otto Nick Schmidt. Susan and Nick were surprised with two more daughters, Delome Schmidt and Rita Sperry.

Susan attended Green Valley Grade school and Goessel Prep school. She worked at Goessel Drapers, Bob’s restaurant in Hesston as a cook and New Process laundry in Newton, all after her husband’s passing. She was always very particular on how her linens were folded at home. She moved from the farm soon after her husband’s passing and has lived with Rita and her children John and Ann Sperry for the duration of her life.

She is survived by Julia and Willard Regier from rural Goessel; Susan and Walden Duerksen from rural Goessel; Nancy Schmidt from rural Buhler; Delome and Jerol Schmidt from rural Newton; and Rita Sperry from rural Newton. Susan was blessed with sixteen grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren. We love you, and you will be missed dearly. Susan was preceded in death by her husband, Nick, in 1963, and her son Otto Nick Schmidt in 2000. All sisters and brothers of Susan are deceased.

Visitation for Susan will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday with funeral services following at 10:30 at Tabor Mennonite Church in rural Newton. Burial will follow in the Tabor Church cemetery followed by a time of lunch and celebration of Susan’s life. Pastors Cory Miller and Karen Andres will officiate. Tabor Mennonite Church is located eight miles north of Newton on K-15 and one mile east.  Flowers may be sent to Tabor Mennonite Church. Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro is handling all the arrangements. Memorials can be sent to the Tabor Church in honor of Susan Schmidt, Tabor Mennonite Church, 891 Chisholm Trail, Newton, KS 67114.