Carla Frank died unexpectedly on September 1, 2026, at the age of 61. Born on September 26, 1964, in Satanta, Kansas, she was the oldest child of James W. and Rita (Johnson) Schmidt.

Carla spent her life in the Montezuma area, working on the family farm, as a teen. She graduated from Montezuma High School and continued her education at St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education.

She owned and operated a daycare in Montezuma for a number of years. Carla's kids were very dear to her heart and she followed those children through school and into their adult life. Her nurturing nature also extended to animals. She worked as a veterinary technician for Dr. Gibson and Dr. Pitts at the Montezuma Veterinary Clinic. Carla cared deeply for all creatures great and small, taking in many stray cats and caring for them. On July 4, 2001, she married Jim Frank. Together, they made a home in Montezuma.

Carla is survived by her devoted husband, Jim, who will miss her dearly; her mother, Rita of Lawrence; two sisters, Kara Schmidt and Kelly Schmidt both of Lawrence; nephew, Dominick Valencia; a niece, Alyria Ontiveros; a great niece, Vivianna Valencia; her parents-in-law, Howard and Joann Chu of California; a sister-in-law, Shannon Frank; and a brother-in-law, Alex Frank. She is preceded in death by her father and a brother, Claude Schmidt. She leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and hard work that will inspire all who knew her. As a young girl, Carla accepted Jesus as her Saviour. She was baptized two weeks ago, while in the hospital at Wesley in Wichita.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at Morningside Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7 PM at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Montezuma. Memorials may be left to Swaim Funeral Chapel to be used for funeral expenses. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.