Merriann Schmidt was born on November 10, 1942 to William and Frances Koehn in Montezuma, Kansas. She departed this life on March 15, 2026, at Moundridge, Kansas, reaching the age of eighty-three years.

Along with her parents and seven siblings, Mom spent her childhood years at Montezuma, Kansas. It is here that she received her elementary education. At the age of twelve, Mom accepted the call of God and surrendered her life to Him. Following her conversion, she was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

On January 27, 1963, she married Mervin Schmidt. To this union were born four children, Annette, Brent, Alicia, and Brian. Mom cared well for us as a family - spending many hours cooking, cleaning, mending, and doing laundry. Mom believed in the power of prayer and was a prayer warrior, never hesitating to bring her petitions to the Father. As a family, her prayers were a source of great strength to us in troubling times.

Mom was not a stranger to suffering. She had polio as a child. Later she developed a serious heart condition. She experienced a season of emotional distress. Her faith in God and an amazing resilience brought her through these dark valleys. Mom had a big heart for those who were lonely or disadvantaged. Her example of love and acceptance left us with a lasting impression that every person is special. At various times, she opened her home to young ladies who needed a place to stay. Mom worked at a variety of jobs throughout her life. She had babysitting jobs, worked in home health, and was employed by Bethel Home. Those in her care knew her love.

She is survived by her husband, Mervin, a son, Brent and Gail Schmidt, Albuquerque, New Mexico; a daughter, Alicia and Daniel Nichols, Halstead, Kansas; a son-in-law, Everett Schmidt, Los Lunas, New Mexico; twelve grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren; one sister, Virginia and Keith Koehn; three brothers, Merle and Delores Koehn, Jerry and Jane Koehn, and Evan and Mary Koehn; one brother-in-law, Glen Koehn. She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Brian; her daughter, Annette; two sisters, Dixie Koehn and Glennis Koehn; one brother, Devern Koehn; and a grandson-in-law, Jay Giesel.

Funeral service will be held at Salem Mennonite Church, Copeland on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Burial will follow at Salem Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.