Schmidt, Leona Ruth Kaufman (1921-1964)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1964 Feb 20 p. 8

Birth date: 1921 Apr 14

text of obituary:

LEONA RUTH SCHMIDT

Leona Ruth (Kaufman) Schmidt was born April 14, 1921, in McPherson county, Kan. to Mr. and Mrs. Dan D. Kaufman. She spent her youth in the Moundridge community, attending Pleasant Ridge elementary school and graduating from Moundridge High School in 1940. She was baptized May 30, 1937, by Elder C. J. Goering and became a member of the Eden Mennonite Church.

On Oct. 19, 1947, she was united in marriage to Menno Schmidt in the Eden Church by Rev. Albert Gaeddert. After a year's residence on a farm seven miles southeast of Buhler, we established our home two and one half miles east of Buhler. In the intervening years our home was blessed with two children.

Her illness involved a gradual progression of events dating back to 1948 when ulcerative colitis was first defected. In November 1963 a cancerous condition was discovered in the advanced stages. She was able to return home for five weeks during which time she took special note of the children and enjoyed them to the fullest. She was forced to return to the hospital on Dec. 26, 1963. She departed for a better life on Jan. 17, 1964.

Leona was perhaps best characterized by her unwavering courage and optimistic outlook on life.

The concern for her children was ever on her mind. This she showed by supporting 4-H work of which she was community leader for two years; taking a vital interest in school activities; supporting the church as Sunday School teacher, Circle member, and churchgoer. She enjoyed farm life to the utmost.

As a hobby she enjoyed carpentry work, and was a capable seamstress.

Her sure faith in God is aptly summed up in Robert Browning's words: “Make all the strokes you can while you are here and leave the event in the hand of God.”

Survivors include her husband, Menno; son Ronnie; daughter Sharon; parents Mr. and Mrs. Dan D. Kaufman; five brothers, Milo of Potwin, Delmar of Durham, Wilmer and Leonard of Doland, S. . D. and Jerold of Denver, Colo.; four sisters, Mildred (Mrs. Roland Klassen), Whitewater, Irene (Mrs. Arnold Entz), Peabody, Reita [sic Reitha] (Mrs. Glendon Klassen) Ibaque, Colombia, and Jerry (Mrs. Dwight Kruse), Marion, as well as a host of friends and relatives. — Menno Schmidt and Family.

The Mennonite obituary: 1964 Mar 10 p. 156