C. Darlene Schmidt

Darlene Schmidt, 82, of East Peoria passed away at Unity Point Methodist Medical Center on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 after an extended illness. Most recently she had been a resident of the Riverview Senior Living Community in East Peoria.

Darlene Schmidt was born on February 23, 1933 in Stewartsville, Missouri, the daughter of Dorman and Dorothy (Dixon) Thornton. When she was eight years old the family moved to Peoria, where she attended school until their family moved to East Peoria. There she attended Central Jr. High School and East Peoria Community High School.

Darlene was employed by Bergner’s in Peoria and Galesburg for over 30 years as a hair stylist and a retail sales associate, retiring in 1996. In the 1970s and 1980s she and her sister, Donna, traveled throughout Illinois and the Midwest, offering their extensive array of hand-sewn country items at craft shows.

In later years Darlene continued to enjoy sewing, having made many unique quilts for family members and friends. She also loved pursuing family history and looking for the homes of her ancestors. This led to extensive travel throughout the Eastern and Southern parts of the United States with her cousin, Marilea. Other hobbies included reading historical and romance novels and cooking.

For the past several years Darlene has been an active member of the Northwoods Community Church, and has hosted many Bible study classes in her home.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband William Schmidt, her brother William Dwayne Thornton, and her sister Donna Lou Thornton Chrisman.

Survivors include: nieces Diana (Dale) Hendryx, Deborah Chrisman, Donise Chrisman, Dawn Hill, Kathy (Scott) Karpowicz, and Kelly Weller; nephew Bradley (Amy) Thornton; and step-sons William Schmidt and Eric Schmidt, and step-daughter Stephanie Schertz, as well as special great nieces and nephew and many other relatives, plus her four legged boyfriend the faithful, loving canine companion, “Boo.”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 2:30 p.m. at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services. Interment will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Program.

Please view Darlene’s obituary online at www.Remmertfuneralhome.com