Mary Katherine Schmidt, 87, Hays, died Monday, November 27, 2017 at Via Christi Village.
She was born March 12, 1930 in Eureka, KS the daughter of Clarence and Roberta (Bowers) House. In 1936 she moved with her family to Ellis County where she attended Washington Grade School and graduated from Hays High School in 1948. On October 20, 1948 she was united in marriage to Alfred L. Schmidt in Hays. He preceded her in death on April 27, 1987. She was a homemaker and did graphic artistry for local photography studios and KAYS and KLOE radio stations. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Secular Franciscan Order for over 50 years, a volunteer with Right to Life, a religious education teacher for over 33 years at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and an original board member of the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home. She enjoyed playing cards and spending time with her family.
Survivors include five sons; Mike Schmidt of Manhattan, Larry Schmidt and wife Melea of Hays, Dan Schmidt and wife Connie of Hays, Randy Schmidt and wife Marsha of Williamsburg, VA, and John Schmidt and wife Dana of Hays, one daughter; Karla Ruder and husband John of Plainville, one sister; Anna Lee Meek of Liberal, 22 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Clarence “Bud” House, her husband Alfred, a son Joe Schmidt, a granddaughter Holly Schmidt and two daughters-in-law; Sally Schmidt and Kerry Schmidt.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 W. 13th. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 8:00 on Wednesday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Thursday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street. A Secular Franciscan Order rosary will be at 4:30 pm and a parish vigil service will be at 6:00 pm, both on Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorials are suggested in her memory to the Mary Elizabeth Maternity Home, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haysmemorial.com.