Charlene Anne Schmidt

Charlene Anne Schmidt, 71, of Moundridge, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Stormont Vail Health in Topeka. She was born November 2, 1951, in Benson, Arizona, the daughter of John and Wilda (Plough) Dickey. She graduated from Pomona High School with the class of 1969. Charlene was united in marriage to Larry A. Schmidt on July 10, 1971, in Pomona, Kansas. Charlene met and fell in love with Larry in college in Emporia. She told her kids the story that when she and Larry were dating, she kept her figure by eating only 5 chips a day. Although they were afraid that her dad would be worried that Larry would not be able to support her properly because of his disability, her dad had no concerns about it. They were married and shared almost 47 years of marriage together, before Larry passed in June of 2018. Charlene got her love for collecting owls from her mother, which she turned into a tradition of giving an owl ornament and crazy socks to her children and grandchildren at Christmas. Charlene got her love for candy and sweets from her father. She was paid with candy cigarettes and chocolate bars, while working at her dad’s gas stations. Charlene spoke very fondly of helping with her siblings as they grew up. That special bond continued into their adult life. She loved her siblings dearly and looked forward to their visits very much! Charlene and Larry had three children. The bond she made with her children and their spouses over weekly coffee and family celebrations was seen on her face as she told the stories of their childhood. The smile on her face when she told the stories was fantastic. Spankings never worked on Craig, but a tractor on top of the fridge with mom only able to play with it, straightened him right up. Or the Cheerios on Mica’s floor with a vacuum sucking them up, to prove that toys could disappear if you do not clean your room, was a perfect lesson. The wisdom she would share at every Saturday coffee will always be embedded in all our hearts. Her puppy Peanut was also a special part of her life, and she jokingly referred to her as her “significant other” in the last few years. Charlene was the pastor of the Church of Revival. Ministry was a central focus for much of her life and she had a heart for God and his work. Many years ago, Charlene came out of a difficult place in her life to find a new and unending relationship with God. Charlene’s vision touched many lives and covered many miles. She followed the call that God had on her life, and she influenced many people’s walks along the way. Many attending today have been directly touched by Charlene and the loss is felt by all. Charlene loved serving God alongside her children and family. She traveled for a tent ministry for about 8 years with Pastor Mary Schmidt. A trip to Texas started a lifetime bond with Gates of Glory Church and Pastor Howard Richardson that would forever be a part of her ministry and service to God. In her later years her low vision limited some of her activities, but she still lived a very full life. She enjoyed gardening, home decorating, any time with her grandkids, and going to coffee and out for meals with her family and friends weekly. Spending quality time with her family was important to her. When she was home, she loved playing games on her iPad, watching her Sci-fi channels, binge-watching shows, and cuddling with Peanut. Charlene will be remembered for many reasons. Many knew her as “The Hat Lady,” even if they did not know her name. People would come up and talk to her about her hats everywhere she went, and she had a hat for about every outfit and occasion. This classy, well dressed, hat wearing, strong woman of God had a presence that commanded respect wherever she went, and she will be dearly missed. Most that were lucky enough to know her well will feel her loss greatly. The heavens gained a beautiful soul. She is survived by her son, Craig (Kindra) Schmidt of Moundridge; daughter, Mica (Bill) Tomlinson of Haysville; daughter-in-law, Kristi Porter of Moundridge; honorary children, Mike (Stacy) Richert of Newton; six grandchildren, Kadie Carrell, Patrick Tomlinson and Sean Tomlinson, and Thomas, Andrew, and Gavin Porter; brother, John (Fran Crowley-Dickey) Dickey of Houston, TX; and sister, and Marlene (Larry) Bender of Waverly, KS. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Larry; and her son, Travis J. Schmidt. Cremation is planned. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Moundridge Senior Center, 100 N Schmidt Ave, Moundridge. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to be used towards funeral expenses in care of Moundridge Funeral Home, PO Box 410, Moundridge, KS 67107.

Charlene Anne Schmidt

November 2, 1951 - August 23, 2023