Darlene Kay Schmidt, 76

Darlene Kay Schmidt passed away April 14, 2014, at the Montana Veterans Home. She passed peacefully. She was ready to be with God and her dear loved ones who have gone before her.

Darlene was born on March 30, 1938, to Ida and Charles Vance of Watford City, N.D. As a young family they moved to the Flathead Valley and settled in Whitefish. She married Raymond Schmidt at 16. Darlene and Raymond were together 57 years in Whitefish. They raised three children, and together they enjoyed six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She loved to garden, swim, play cards and in later years spent her time watching golf and football on TV.

Darlene’s life was dedicated to her family. She was instrumental in raising her sister and brother. Her home was always open and she had many “extra” children over the years, including a foreign exchange student 10 years after her own children were out of the house. As a wife she supported all adventures, projects and businesses of her husband. As a mom she was as tough a sports mom as you could get and the best Girl Scout leader and dance mom around. No matter which role she was in she was nurturing and unselfish, allowing all to be who they were, always advising when asked and adding her intense, intuitive look that would speak more than any spoken words.

In 1983, Darlene started pursuing the education that she had put on hold while raising her family. Between 1983 and 1990, she received her GED and Associate of Arts degree at Flathead Valley Community College. Then she went on to receive her Bachelor of Social Work degree at the University of Montana. Darlene worked her way through college. Most of her jobs were in mental health or geriatrics with as many extra certification courses in her field as possible. She was a natural leader with wisdom and insight into human relations.

After graduating from the University of Montana she became employed in her field of choice, geriatrics, as the social service director at Colonial Manor in Whitefish. After eight years, Darlene retired from her corporate job to help her children manage their business, Mums Flowers, for the next seven years. In all her education, work and volunteer positions she possessed strong leadership and organizational skills. She felt that it was important in our society to be dependable and responsible.

Darlene’s faith was very important to her. She was a Christian. She spent most of her life as a member of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Whitefish. Darlene raised her family there and always worked hard to further her faith. Darlene was a pioneer in lay ministry. Thirty years ago she was one of the original women to finish the Program for Lay Ministry using the Liturgy of the Hour prayer book daily. She served on the Counsel of Catholic Women where she held titles of president and secretary. She was a participant in a discipleship program at the Sycamore Tree and was instrumental in the Cursillo movement. Darlene wrote, 40 years ago in 1983, “I’m a Christian, and my faith is very important to me as I’ve gotten older and realize that there is more to life than creature comforts and material gain. I believe that in order to have a better world to live in, I must work to be the best person I can be through educating myself and through loving mankind as individuals, and being a living example to those around me.” Darlene spent her last years of life as a member of St. Richard’s Parish in Columbia Falls where she served as her health would allow.

Darlene was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Schmidt; her parents, Charles Vance and Ida Landon; her brother, Johnny Vance; her son, George Schmidt; and her daughter-in-law, Cindy Schmidt.

She is survived by her brother, Darrell Vance; sister, Jeanne Canfield, and husband Ken; son, Rick Schmidt; daughter, Terri Adams, and husband Bruce; daughter-in-law, Sue Schmidt; six grandchildren, Rachel Vandevoort and husband Alex, Jason Schmidt, John Schmidt and wife Catherine, Eric Schmidt, Nathan Wyss and fiancee Vanessa Guerra, and Kelly Wyss and wife Joanna; and three great- grandchildren, Mclean and Schafer Vandevoort, and Owen Schmidt.

Darlene’s celebration of life Mass was April 23 at St. Richard’s Catholic Church. As her family we would like to thank everyone who came and who gave cards and Masses.

We want to give our gratitude, thanks and admiration to the Montana Veterans home. Your love, care and respect for Darlene will be in our hearts forever.

There will be a gathering to celebrate Darlene’s life from 2 to 5 p.m. on July 5. Please call Terri at (406) 253-9667 with any questions.