Alvera Thelma Schmidt (nee Wiebe), age 101, passed away on July 18, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Alvera was born on December 20, 1923, in Mingo, Kansas, to Henry and Ruby Wiebe.
She was the third of five children. Her family moved to Newton, Kansas, when she was a toddler. She lived in Newton almost her entire life until she moved to St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of 97. She graduated from Newton
High School in 1942. In August 1943, she married Orlando Ernest Schmidt, who preceded her in death in 2001 after 57 years of marriage. Alvera is survived by her 4 children, Ron Schmidt and his wife Rachel of Pampa, Texas;
Jerry Schmidt and his wife Pam of Kirkwood, Missouri; Roger Schmidt of Kirkwood, Missouri; and Janell Loh and her husband Gary of Wheeling, West Virginia; 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to working as the office manager of her husband's business and raising her children, Alvera had a passion and talent for gardening, sewing, carving wood, sculpting clay, drawing portraits, and painting beautiful
landscapes with watercolors and oil. In retirement, she and her husband enjoyed wintering in Texas and singing in a gospel quartet. Alvera fiercely loved the Lord, her family, and her friends. She would witness her faith in
all she encountered. In later years, she was known for always having riddles and jokes to share. She enjoyed staying in touch with family and friends, uplifting all who knew her with her unwavering faith, positive attitude,
and wonderful sense of humor. Visitation will be held Monday, July 28, 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. at Petersen Funeral Home, Newton, KS, with graveside service and burial to follow.
