Extracted from The Mendocino Beacon (Mendocino, CA)
Thursday, April 10, 2003

Lois Schmidt

Lois Aline Huthnance Schmidt, a 40-plus year resident of Redlands, Calif., died April 2, 2003. She was born Feb. 21, 1928 in Martinez, Calif., then moved with her parents, the late Rev. Conley and Aline Huthnance to Fort Bragg, Calif., where she graduated in the class of 1945 and was class valedictorian.

She attended San Jose State, then University of Redlands, earning a bachelor of arts degree in music. She earned a master's degree in teaching special ed./orthopedic handicapped from California State Los Angeles in 1967. She married the late William A. Schmidt, Aug. 20, 1949 in Fort Bragg, with her father presiding. They moved to Yucaipa, where she taught for three years as an elementary school teacher at Yucaipa Elementary School. She became a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church and directed an extensive choir program involving children choirs, adult, handbells, brass ensemble and family band for 46 years. She then worked in the Redlands schools, teaching special ed. students until her retirement. She was involved in many activities, including AAUW, AARP and the P.E.O. Sisterhood. When she was in Fort Bragg, she would sing in the choir or sing solos at First Baptist Church. She was also a life member of the Fort Bragg/Mendocino chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by one daughter, Kristen Cameron of Redlands and two sons, Philipp Schmidt of Redlands and Mark Schmidt of Pleasanton, Calif., and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on April 8 at First Lutheran Church in Redlands, with internment at Hillside Cemetery in Redlands immediately following. A short gathering/service will be held in Fort Bragg at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, Anna Ross Memorial in lieu of flowers.