Schmidt, Elma Ruth Frey Regier (1916-1993)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1993 May 6 p. 12

Birth date: 1916 Apr 21

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1993 May 27 p. 15

text of obituary:

ELMA F. SCHMIDT REGIER

Elma Ruth Frey was born April 21, 1916, in Newton, Kan., to Herman and Anna Frey of Watova, Okla. The family moved to a farm southeast of Goessel, Kan.

Elma was baptized in Tabor Mennonite Church by P. H. Richert on June 4, 1933. On Oct. 30, 1936, she married Marvin Schmidt in the Tabor Church. In 1937 they moved to some land south of Fredonia, Kan. They worked hard to improved the run-down farm.

On May 2, 1942, a tornado struck, killing her husband and destroying most of the farm. Elma clung tenaciously to her faith in Jesus Christ, being assured that her loved one was in heaven and that her two boys, Robert, almost 4, and Duane, 2, needed her.

She used insurance money to go to Pittsburg College and receive a teaching certificate. She taught at several schools. She married Willard Regier on May 28, 1953. Willard’s wife had died, and he was raising two children, Eldon and Lois. This union brought together a family of four teenagers.

Elma taught Sunday school and Bible school and played the piano in church. She and Willard gave much of their time to service, including two years in Mexico. Elma was an avid gardener and gracious hostess. She had a deep love and spiritual concern for her family.

Elma died May 2, 1993, leaving the following survivors: her husband, Willard; two sons, Robert (Mary Lou) Schmidt and Duane (Sherry) Schmidt; a stepson, Eldon (Della) Regier; a stepdaughter, Lois (Willard) Wiens; 14 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Abe Frey; and two sisters, Rosella Fleming and Elfrieda Phelps.

A memorial service was held at First Mennonite Church in Newton with Verney Unruh and Cleo Koop officiating. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.