Mary L. Schmidt

Mary L. Schmidt, 88, Cottonwood

Friday, November 9, 2007

Mary L. Sprute Schmidt, 88, a lifelong Cottonwood area resident, died peacefully on November 6, 2007, at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center, on the eve of her and her husband, Louis' 67th wedding anniversary.

Mary was born to Casper and Clara Dasenbrock Sprute on May 18, 1919, on a ranch overlooking the breaks of the Salmon River. She spent her childhood with her eleven brothers and sisters, and was educated in local schools. Before marriage, she was employed by St. Joseph's Hospital in Lewiston.

On November 7, 1940, she married Louis A. Schmidt and spent her life on their farm near Cottonwood. She worked diligently as a homemaker, and partner on their dairy, as well as helping raise their five daughters. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Catholic Daughters, and the Christian Mothers. Mary loved to sing, dance, sew, cook, and in her youth, loved acting in plays. We will remember her vivaciousness, quick wit, hospitality, and kindness. She lived a noble life, true to her religion, her husband, her family, and never complained about the vicissitudes of life that challenged her. Mary was the sweetest, most loving lady, who never said a less than complimentary word about anyone.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Virginia Crea (Bill) of Grangeville, Jackie Lacey (Roy) of Weippe, Patricia Fealko (Dave) of Coeur d'Alene, Janice Gardner (Lynn) of Boise, and Joyce Woods (Mark) of McCall; 15 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Marguerite Spengler of Grangeville.

She was preceded in death by a son, Timothy; her parents; her brothers, Walter, George, Louis, Ray, Al, and Virgil; and her sisters, Nora Uptmor, Gertrude Forsman Flatt, and Helen Weiand.

Visitation will be Friday, November 9, 2007, from 2-8 p.m. at the Uhlorn Funeral Home in Cottonwood. A rosary will be held on Saturday, November 10, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Cottonwood, with a funeral mass to directly follow at 11. Burial will follow at Cottonwood Catholic Cemetery.