Montezuma - Wilma Dean (Koehn) Schmidt peacefully passed away in the early morning hours of November 23, 2021, with her family by her side at Bethel Home in Montezuma. She lived a full and happy life of eighty-six years. Wilma Dean was born on September 18, 1935 in Canton, Kansas.

Wilma was chosen by Albert and Matilda Koehn. She spent her early years in Dodge City, moving with her parents to Winton, California at the age of nine. When she was 13, she gave her heart to God and was baptized in to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister John A. Koehn. Soon after her "daddy" passed away, leaving her alone with her mother, who was in poor health. Mom worked various jobs with her hands, such as babysitting, house cleaning, and seasonal cannery work.

On May 4, 1958, our mother married LaVern Schmidt in Winton, California. They enjoyed 63 years together. The early years of their marriage were spent in Los Angeles, California, while Dad completed his voluntary service at the hospital. Special friendships developed during this time. Her ever present smile and sweet disposition won her many friends. In 1972, they moved with their daughter Sabrena to Montezuma. In February of 1976, Kindra was born and two days later, Donna joined the family as well. This was very special to Mom, as adoption was very near and dear to her heart.

Mom supported Dad in his farming years and through out his career of Montezuma Welding and Manufacturing. In 1987, Mom and her daughter Sabrena started Montezuma Fabrics in the basement of their home. She acquired Indian Hill Gardens, renaming it Just For You. She loved her employees, co-workers, and customers alike. Mom's love for beautiful flowers grew as she learned the trade of owning a floral shop. She always wanted the flowers that came from her shop to be fresh and of good value for one's dollar, often giving more than less. Many hours were spent crocheting potholders, blankets, and embroidering tea towels, often giving these as gifts.

Through out their life, they enjoyed traveling. Some of the highlights were trips to Europe, the Holy Lands, Haiti, and various places in the United States. Retirement allowed them to spend extended time with their children and grandchildren, as well as friends. Her faith and her church family were very precious to her.

Early in her married life, she had a goal to find her biological mother. Her mother was located and this answered an important question in her life, as well as adding special siblings to her family circle.

Those left to cherish the memories include her loving husband, LaVern of Montezuma; three daughters, Jerry and Donna Amoth of Mora, Missouri, Randall and Sabrena Koehn of Montrose, Colorado, and Vince and Kindra Koehn of Montezuma; 13 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral service will be held at Montezuma Mennonite Church on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 10:30 AM with Ministers Craig B. Koehn, Charles Schmidt, and Kalvin Salsbury presiding. Burial will follow at Montezuma Mennonite Cemetery. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Montezuma on Saturday, November 27, 2021 from noon to 5:00 PM. Memorials are suggested to Bethel Home in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.