Donna Bozarth Schmidt

Donna Bozarth Schmidt, 84, of Sherman, IL went home to God on June 13, 2017. She died peacefully at home.

Donna was born in Williamsville, IL, August 15, 1932 the daughter of Lee and Victoria Leslie Bozarth. She graduated from Williamsville High School. Robert Joseph Schmidt swept her off her feet and they married on August 3, 1952 at St. James Church in Riverton, IL and together they built a beautiful family.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert in 2005, her daughter Rebecca (age 5) in 1963, her parents, her sisters Maxine and Ruth and brother, James.

Surviving are her children, David R. Schmidt (Naomi) of Springfield, Victoria S. Schmidt of Springfield, Stephen J. Schmidt (Dorothy) of Heppner, OR and Lisa Connolly (James) of Bloomington, IL. Surviving grandchildren are: Justin Schmidt (Jessica) of Springfield, IL, Keenan Schmidt (Shana) of Irrigon, OR, Keicia (Eric) Hight of Lewiston, ID, Elizabeth and Jonathan Connolly of Bloomington, IL. Great Grandchildren: Isabella and Aiden Schmidt and Max Hight.

Donna was a member of St. John Vianney Church in Sherman, IL for over 45 years. In her quiet presence, she was an active member of the women’s society and worked tirelessly over many years to volunteer for the parish in numerous activities. After a short career with Bell Telephone, Donna started her family. Henceforth, she was a busy stay at home Mom devotedly raising five children. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. Donna’s quiet faith sustained her throughout life and gave her the courage to be the great mother that she was. Donna Schmidt was deeply loved by all of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and friends. We will truly miss her quiet and loving presence among us. Donna shared her beautiful spirit with many. Despite years of struggle with COPD, Donna was patient and accepting, never demanding or complaining.

She was a loving presence in our lives and we are so grateful to her. She showed us how to live in her own quiet beautiful way.

Visitation: 9:30 – 11:15 am, Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. John Vianney Church in Sherman.

Funeral Mass: 11:30 am, Monday, June 26, 2017 at St. John Vianney Church. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Mothers, St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery.