Vera Ann Koehn Schmidt

Moundridge - Vera Ann Koehn Schmidt was born to Jake and Nettie Koehn on January 23, 1935, at Halstead Kansas. She peacefully passed away in the afternoon hours of October 16, 2017 at Pine Village Retirement Home in Moundridge, Kansas; reaching the age of 82 years. Death was caused by Lewy Bodies Dementia. She was the youngest of nine children and grew up in Kansas on her parent’s dairy farm north of Halstead. Mom received her education at Halstead Kansas. Mother was baptized at the age of 12, by Minister Carl Dirks on February 17, 1947. She loved the church and remained faithful to her vows. On October 10, 1954 she was married to Merle Ray Schmidt by Minister Carl Dirks. To this union were born five children, one daughter and four sons. At the age of 16 she experienced deep sorrow when her dear Dad passed away. Deep grief came again when her brother Otis passed away in a silo accident. She was a loving mother and faithful homemaker. Mom and Dad moved to DeRidder Louisiana in 1977. They later spent time in several CPS units and a mission term in Fort Garland Colorado. Mom enjoyed cooking and caring for the CPS boys, and they enjoyed her also. Mom always had a cheerful “Hello” for all she met. Mom read the Bible Story book through to us children many times. Mom enjoyed traveling with Dad. Two places she especially enjoyed visiting were Niagara Falls, and Kenya, Africa to see Leon’s in the mission field. Mom enjoyed working with Dad in the various ventures he pursued. She looked forward to her children and grandchildren’s visits, and especially enjoyed her grandchildren singing for her. We were recipients of her good cooking and baking. Mom also enjoyed feeding and watching the wild birds. Those left to cherish her with precious memories are her husband Merle; one daughter: Lori and Ronnie Decker, DeRidder Louisiana; four sons: Ray and Carol, DeRidder Louisiana, Kenton and Dena, Lake Providence Louisiana, Marlo and Cindy, DeRidder Louisiana, Leon and Sondra, DeRidder Louisiana, 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, one sister Eileen Dyck of Moundridge Kansas, and one brother Harley and wife Alice Koehn of Halstead Kansas, three sisters-in-law: Marjorie and husband Glen Schmidt of Moundridge Kansas, Joyce and husband Eugene Toews of Grafton North Dakota, and Mary Ann and husband Ervin Buller of Moran, Kansas. Preceding her in death were her parents five brothers and one sister and one daughter in law Brenda Koehn Schmidt. Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Pine Village, Moundridge with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Visitation at Highland Mennonite Church, DeRidder, LA will be from 6 to 9 p.m., Saturday. Funeral service at Highland Mennonite Church, DeRidder, LA will be at 10:30 a.m., Sunday. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorials may be sent to either Pine Village or Whispering Pines Christian School in care of Labby Memorial Home, DeRidder, LA.

Vera Ann Koehn Schmidt

January 23, 1935 - October 16, 2017