Schmidt, Laura Unruh Smith (1887-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jun 27 p. 6

Birth date: 1887 Aug 27

text of obituary:

— Word has been received of the death of Mrs. Laura Schmidt, 69, on Monday at the home in Greensburg. Her husband, Fred, died in 1955. Services were to be held Wednesday at the Faith Mennonite Church there, Rev. Robert Keller in charge.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Jul 18 p. 8

text of obituary:

MRS. LAURA SCHMIDT

Laura Schmidt, daughter of Henry and Anna Unruh, passed away quietly at her home in Greensburg, Kan. on June 24, 1957, at 10 a. m. at the age of 69 years, nine months and 28 days. She had been in failing health for some time.

She was born Aug. 27, 1887, on a farm near Dundee, Kan., where she spent her early years.

She married Pete Smith Dec. 21, 1905. They spent their first few years on a farm near Greensburg. For 29 years they shared joys and sorrows on a farm near Lamar, Colo. They lived there until Pete's death in 1942. After his death, Laura returned to Kansas to be near her family. She occupied her time by being a companion for elderly people.

Later she met Fred B. Schmidt and they were married on June 27, 1945. They made their home in Greensburg. He preceded her in death on Nov. 10, 1955. Two brothers, Jake and Pete, also preceded her in death. Her mother passed away when she was six years old, and five years later her father died, leaving Laura with the responsibility of the home. All her life she continued to accept responsibility in a loving, kind way.

She leaves to mourn her departure three brothers, Ben G. Unruh of Los Gatoes [sic Los Gatos], Calif., Dan. H. Unruh of Portland, Ore., a twin brother John of Coldwater, Kan., six step-children, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Laura was a willing giver and delighted to share the things in her garden with her friends. She loved to see things grow.

She took a stand for the Mennonite faith and during her months of suffering she expressed a desire to "go to her heavenly home."