Clara Schmidt
Clara Schmidt, 97, died Sunday (Oct. 16, 2005) at Kidron
Bethel Health Care in North Newton. She was born May 14, 1908, to Isaac and
Margaret (Nickel) Penner in rural Whitewater. They preceded her in death. She
married Ben H. Schmidt Nov. 2, 1933, and they lived on a farm eight miles east
of Newton until retiring and moving to town in 1975. Her elementary school
years were spent at Candy School near her family farm. Clara attended Bethel
Academy and graduated from Newton High School in 1927. She was a lifelong
active member of Grace Hill Mennonite Church in rural Whitewater and a longtime
member of the Pleasant Homemakers E.H.U. She loved to attend Bible studies,
play the piano and sing hymns. Clara also enjoyed spending time gardening and
traveling.
Survivors include: a son, Eldon Schmidt and wife Sue of
Vancouver, Wash.; daughters, Elaine C. Miller of Overland Park and Delores
Strahm of Topeka; a former son-in-law, Merlin D. Strahm of Topeka; six
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild.
Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday with family
greeting friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at Grace Hill
Mennonite Church with the Rev. James Voth officiating.
Burial will be in Grace Hill Cemetery.
Memorials have been established with Grace Hill Mennonite
Church in care of the funeral home.
