Wanda Irene Dudley Schmidt
Wanda Irene Dudley Schmidt, was home when she slipped away quietly and unexpectedly from her earthly vessel on September 13, 2016 to be with her Lord and to be reunited with her beloved husband Everett, who preceded her in death on March 7, 2014.
She was born November 3, 1926 to the late Almer and Nola Marquis Dudley. Three brothers, Vernon, Rolland, and Glen, and three sisters, Ruth, Doris and Geneva preceded her in death. She is survived by a brother, Joseph (Norma) Dudley, five children, Shirley (Bob) Hoffman, Nancy Beck, Connie (Larry) Matthews, Marie (Joe) Gerken, and Jerry (Heather) Schmidt, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, all of whom she loved dearly.
Wanda was a graduate of Belle Valley High School. Upon graduation she was employed at San Stone Pottery in Cambridge, Ohio until she met and fell in love with a young soldier, Elijah Everett Schmidt, whom she met on a Greyhound bus, heading home from World War II. They married on June 29, 1946 and enjoyed nearly sixty-eight years of life together. She spoke of him' every day and her love for him didn't end with his passing
Besides being a wonderful mother and homemaker, Wanda drove bus for Fort Frye School District for five years until health issues forced her to quit. She has told many funny and heartwarming stories of those days and how she sometimes bent the rules just a little in order to meet the need of a child.
A member of Colegate Church of God, Wanda loved the people, the singing and the preaching. She hated to miss a service, but still enjoyed the messages from Pastor Dan as she played the CD's from home.
The family wishes to thank special friends and neighbors, Chad and Amy Hacker, who came to offer their love and support at a very painful time. Our parents loved you and we do too.
We appreciate Thelma Lauer, her son Jeff and those of the Fearing Township Fire Department, who have always been quick to respond to the Schmidt’s needs not only to offer help, but great compassion.
Wanda will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who knew her. The years we had together were just not enough, and we look forward to our own reunion with this wonderful, sweet lady. She will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Friday, September 16th at Marietta Church of God with Pastor Dan Hess officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home from 2pm Thursday with the family present 2-4 and 6-8 and at the church 1 hour prior to the service on Friday. Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.Lankfordfh.com.