January 28, 1926 ~ February 2, 2025
Shirley Schmidt, born on January 28, 1926, in Kewanee, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, just days after celebrating her 99th birthday.
The daughter of Annalee and Ernest Pardue, Shirley grew up in a loving home alongside her three sisters, Luella, Peggy, and Leola. After graduation high school, she worked at the Boss Glove Factory before marrying her high school sweetheart, Bill Schmidt, at the age of 18. As the wife of a Navy officer, she embraced a life of travel and adventure, forming lifelong friendships along the way.
Following Bill's retirement, the couple pursued their shared passion for ceramics, running a successful ceramic shop for many years. A devoted Christian, Shirley was actively involved in her church, where she served as a bookkeeper. She was known for her kindness, never speaking an unkind work about anyone.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Annalee and Ernest; and her three sisters. She is survived by her children, Stephen Schmidt, Kay Williams, and Mark Schmidt (Layna); her grandchildren Casey Schmidt (Danielle) and Kendra Einarsson (Oliver); and her great-grandchildren Ronyn, Liam, Riley, and Theo.
Above all, Shirley adored her family. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.
