in memoriam

expanded eulogies

Elsie Mae Schmidt

Elsie Mae Schmidt was born May 4, 1942, to Philip D. and Edna (Unrau) Schmidt in Goessel, Kansas. She attended Green Valley Grade School for eight years and graduated from Goessel High School in 1960.

On June 9, 1957, upon her confession of faith, Elsie was baptized by the Reverend Leo Miller and became a member of Goessel Mennonite Church, where she remained a faithful member.

She served as a children’s Sunday School teacher for many years, as well as various other church duties.

After high school graduation, Elsie was employed at Bethesda Hospital for two years. In 1962, she found a job that would be her life’s work as secretary for Goessel Elementary School.

Elsie was affectionately called “Miss Elsie” by hundreds of kids over the next 31 years. She dearly loved every one of the children.

Elsie’s job included more than just being a secretary. She administrated medications, tended sick kids in the office area, was responsible for getting concessions ready for ball games, and even scored standardized tests that were given to grades 1, 2 and 3.

Elsie retired due to illness in1994.

After retirement, Elsie volunteered at various organizations including the Goessel Resource Library, Hesston Community Child Care, and Marion County Home Care.

She also served on the Goessel City Library Board and several terms on the Marion County Election Board.

Elsie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 49. She entered Schowalter Villa in February 2001 where she resided until her death on Oct. 1, 2017.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two infant brothers.

Elsie is survived by her sister Deloris Schmidt and husband, Donavon; nephews Kim D. Schmidt; Greg Schmidt and wife, Lisa, Aubree and Malaina; and Darren Schmidt and wife, Lisa, Mallory and Macy; great-nieces Shannon Hastings and husband, Steven, Greyson and Deacon; Kelli Parks and husband, Jacob, Skyler and Bristol; and great-nephew Brandon Schmidt.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017, at Goessel Mennonite Church, Goessel, with inurnment at 10 a.m. at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to Goessel Mennonite Church or Good Shepherd Hospice, both in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 96, Goessel KS 67053.