Schmitt, Shirley D.


Shirley D. Schmitt, 84, Prairie Village, Kan., died April 17, 2008, after a long illness. There will be a private family service with burial in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64113. Shirley was born August 14, 1923, in New Florence, Mo., the eldest daughter of Ausbin Dixon and Aileen (Singleton) Dixon. Her family moved to Jefferson City, Mo., where she graduated from high school and later attended Jefferson City Junior College/University of Missouri. After school, her family moved to Kansas City, where she lived for more than 60 years. Shirley married Edward Schmitt in 1947 and worked for many years while Ed finished college, law school, and graduate school. Some of her fondest memories were of the time she and Ed spent as a young married couple in New York City, while Ed earned his LL.M. at Columbia University. Although Shirley and Ed divorced years ago, they separated amicably and Ed remained her closest friend. Shirley's life completely revolved around her family. She and Ed had one daughter, Gretchen, and Shirley made motherhood a full-time job after Gretchen was born. Shirley was very involved in the PTA at both Border Star Grade School and Southwest High School, and volunteered for many years as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader for her daughter's scout troop. Shirley was delighted when Gretchen chose to attend the University of Kansas, and loved spending fall weekends having brunch at the sorority and attending KU football games with her family. Shirley enjoyed many years as a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church and Indian Hills Country Club. After the marriage of her daughter, she was thrilled to have a baby grandson and spent time with him every day until her health prevented her from doing so. Shirley amazed everyone around her with her grace and stoicism in handling her own illness. Regardless of the amount of pain she suffered, she always had a cheery smile for everyone and reported that she felt "just fine." Her concern was consistently about the happiness and welfare of others, especially her family, and very rarely about herself. An eternal optimist, she seemed to see the silver lining in every cloud and always searched for the beauty in life. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Ausbin and Aileen Dixon, and her brother Gale Dixon. She is survived by her daughter, Gretchen Schmitt Thum, son-in-law Terry Thum, and grandson Teddy Thum, Kansas City, Mo; her former husband Edward Schmitt, Prairie Village, Kan.; sister Carol Johnston and brother-in-law Charlie Johnston, Webb City, Mo.; brother- and sister-in-law Bob and Jana Schmitt, Kansas City, Mo.; sister- and brother-in-law Stella and Harold Horting, Tescott, Kan., and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves her dear friends and the wonderful Claridge Court staff members at Somerset Health Center who took such good care of her during her last years.

(Arr.: Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, at 816-942- 2004.)