Montezuma - Our beloved Mother and Grandmother, Della Jane (Wenger) Schmidt entered her haven of rest in the early morning Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Bethel Home in Montezuma.  She had a rich, full, life of 90 years.  She was born to Conrad and Anna (Becker) Wenger in Harvey County on July 4, 1929, the ninth of 10 children.

Mom felt the need of a Savior, gave her life to God and was baptized on March 15, 1941, by Minister Harry Wenger. She held to her faith all through life. She received her education in a one room school in Harvey County.

She was married by her brother Minister Milferd Wenger to our Dad, Henry J. Schmidt on June 16, 1949 at Hesston, Kansas.  They made their home in Montezuma. Dad and Mom deeply loved each other and were partners in all areas of their life during their nearly 63 years of marriage.  They each respected God's given role for marriage and enjoyed life together. She found pleasure in all aspects of the farm life. Harvest time was a highlight of the year and feeding the harvesters was a delight.  We as the family have many happy memories gathered in their living room and having very lively discussions.

Their time in the Albuquerque boy's unit was a special memory of their later years.  Mom was always interested in her extended family and followed their lives closely.

A very difficult time in Mom's life was when their son Doug was taken in a tragic vehicle accident on August 9, 2007. Then on May 23, 2011 her beloved husband passed away leaving Mom to face life alone.

We as children and grandchildren never questioned her love and loyalty for us. She watched us carefully to make sure we were safe and making the right choices in life.  She enjoyed teaching Bible school and found satisfaction in serving on the food committee for many years.  One of her guiding principles was timeliness and she expected the same in herself and in others.

As a family we want to give special recognition to her granddaughter, Stephanie. She spent many hours caring for Mom in her final years forming a special bond.

Those cherishing her memory are her two sons Charles and Adina and Lonnie and Marla both of Montezuma ; her daughter Karla and Joe Unruh of Columbus, Mississippi and her daughter-in-law Dana, wife of the late Doug Schmidt Montezuma; two sisters-in-law, Virginia Wenger, Moundridge and Naomi Wenger, Newton; twelve grandchildren; and thirty-six great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, one son, six brothers and three sisters.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Craig B. Koehn, Eldon Wenger, and Merle Wenger presiding.  Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home Health Care in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.