Lois Schmidt, 89

Lois Leighty Schmidt passed away Jan. 17, 2023. She was born Nov. 12, 1933, in Dodge City, Kan. When Lois was 13 years old, the family relocated to Hayden, Idaho. She was the oldest of seven children and enjoyed a close bond with her five sisters and one brother. She accepted Christ into her life at an early age, serving Him in many ways over the years.

Lois played the clarinet in the Rathdrum High School band, graduating in 1951. She met Jack, with whom she shared 65 years before he passed, in the 8th grade when he gave up his chair for her at an event. Upon graduating from high school, she went on to Kinman Business University in Spokane. She then succeeded at several jobs in the early 1950s booming downtown of CdA, including Lafferty’s Transportation Company and Van’s Creamery.

She reconnected with Jack when he returned from the Navy in 1953. They were married in Hayden on June 10, 1956. During the next 10 years, Lois would become a full-time mom to four children.

She would eventually volunteer at Hayden Lake Elementary School, lead 4-H groups, and work for family friend, electrician, Mel Walker. She was the efficient bookkeeper for Bethel Baptist Church and served in Awana alongside Jack for many years. She was a member of the former Bethel Baptist Church Bell Choir.

Lois, an accomplished seamstress, sewed Easter dresses and clothes for her girls and was a longtime member of a quilting circle. The Home Extension group she belonged to met monthly, culminating with a yearly booth at the North Idaho Fair. She enjoyed crafts and made many gifts for her grandchildren. Lois loved to bake and spent many summers canning the produce from Jack’s garden.

In their retirement, Lois enjoyed the Rambling Rovers, Silverlake Striders, and traveling with Jack. She was an avid reader and enjoyed a good cup of black coffee with the many desserts she made over the years.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband Jack Schmidt; beloved son Steve Schmidt; parents Ken and Stella Leighty; sisters Hazel Gilman, Bonnie Taie, and Betty Walker; in-laws Jake and Elsie Schmidt.

She is survived by her daughters Lori Kobs, Lisa (Paul) Spears and Lynette (Mark) Woodworth; grandchildren Stephanie (Brad) Toms, Joe (Samantha) Schmidt, Ian (Hannah) Spears, Lexi Spears, Andrew (Ashley) Woodworth, Aubrey (Jared) Crist, and Alysse Woodworth; great-grandchildren Hayden Toms and Emma Toms; sisters Lela Stephenson, Jean Kelley, brother Bob (Marion) Leighty; many nieces and nephews and members of the extended Schmidt family.

Funeral service for Lois will be on Tuesday, January 24, at 11:00 AM at Yates Funeral Home, Hayden Chapel at 373 E. Hayden Avenue. Interment will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness, I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

Special thank you to all the staff and caregivers at Peterson Place Assisted Living and Hospice of North Idaho for their love and care during the final months. We appreciate you all so much.

Arrangements provided by Yates Funeral Home. www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.