Mary Beth Schmidt, 71
Mon, 01/31/2022 - 11:24am
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July 11, 1952 —
Jan. 22, 2022
ELMA - Mary Beth Schmidt, age 71, of Elma, Iowa passed away on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022 at Linn Haven in New Hampton, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022 at Conway-Markham Funeral Home in Elma with Pastor Leland Schmidt officiating. There will be a one hour visitation prior to the funeral services at the funeral home on Tuesday. Burial will be at Howard Cemetery in Elma. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Mary Beth Schmidt was born on July 11, 1952, to Max R. and Ava Beth (Mealy) Schmidt in Osage, Iowa. She grew up on the Schmidt family farm northwest of Elma, the fourth of eight children. She attended elementary school in Afton Township and Elma.
After graduating from Crestwood High School in Cresco, Iowa, Mary completed nurse’s aide training and received her medication certification. She worked as a nurse’s aide for more than 40 years until her retirement in Elma, where she shared a home with Dave Dotzler, her closest friend and dear companion.
With a shy personality and a deep desire to avoid the limelight, Mary’s life’s work was service to others. She never asked for more for herself or put herself forward. She loved all children, especially her nieces and nephews, and avidly followed their arrivals and doings through newspapers, letters and phone calls. She loved getting cards and letters – no Internet for her!
Mary never complained, even through her last days of debilitating disease. She fought the good fight for her life, but when the Good Shepherd called her, she went in peace.
Mary leaves behind her friend, Dave Dotzler; brothers, Max Schmidt and Daryl Schmidt; sisters, Alice Schmidt and Rhonda Sands; and 18 nephews and nieces, Kevin, Marla, Nathan, Rochell, Leland, Roland, Becky, Penne, Evan, Vonda, Misty, Mario, Alexandria, Bethany Benjamin, Brock, Blake and Brenton.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, James, Edward and Mark; and her nephew, Noel Lyn Schmidt.
