Frances L. Webster Schmidt

Frances L. Webster Schmidt, 94 of Topeka, KS, passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 of natural causes. Frances was born in the family farm house near Fostoria, KS on January 15, 1926 to Cleo and Bertha Shehi Webster. She married Peter P Schmidt in November, 1948 in Topeka, KS. Pete preceded her in death on January 19, 1996. She was also predeceased by her parents as well as siblings Eva Holt, Esther Havens, Lyle Webster, Betty Bain, Clarice Cade, and Ardeva Gibson. Survivors include Cheryl Coleman (Tom), Brad Schmidt (Dee), Nancy Ortiz, Mark Schmidt, Mary Chilcoat (Mike) and Pat Schmidt. She also had 13 grandchildren and a multitude of great grandchildren.

Frances attended school in the Fostoria, KS area and graduated from Fostoria High School in 1944. While at Fostoria High, Frances participated in basketball and knowing her, was probably one of the feisty ones to play hard every second.  After graduation, Frances moved to Washington State to work at Kaiser Shipyards to help with the War effort.  She subsequently then moved to Burbank, CA to work at Lockheed Aircraft with her sister Ardeva and her husband Charles.   Upon returning to Kansas after the war, Frances worked at Adams Brothers initially, but then became a homemaker as the children began arriving. Mom always had a huge garden and also kept chickens in the back as she learned how to can vegetables as well as prepare chickens for meals on the farm and utilized these skills continually for her family.  Fruit trees and berry bushes were also were abundant at the family home and many winter night meals were made with the results of the efforts.  Mom participated in her children's activities by being a Scout leader, supporting their athletic endeavors, and being the neighborhood hangout for numerous children on many occasions. Frances strongly believed in religious education for her children and made sure they participated in CCD classes on Saturday mornings as well as a two week Vacation Bible School each summer. She also provided child care in her home for other working families from time to time too.

Mom loved horses all her life and she was quite the accomplished rider.  A story a niece shared was how she would offer to get the mail each day just so she could ride 2 horses Roman style to do so.  She didn't do this for praise or glory, but rather because she just loved to ride!

As the children grew, Frances returned to the work force and worked at Presbyterian Manor, Holiday Inn, and the VA in different capacities, but her favorite was probably being a Senior Companion for many years. She loved spending time with elders and could always brighten their day with her visits and never had any problem thinking of things to talk about with any of them.

She made a multitude of quilts for Birthright as well as donating them to the child care at St Matthews for many years.  Frances was a long time member of St Matthew's Catholic Church in Topeka, KS and was on various Alter Society guilds as well as helping with fund raising events throughout the year.

Mom was proud of her Irish heritage and had a longtime dream of visiting the Emerald Isle, but was never able to realize that goal unfortunately.

Memorial contributions can be made to St Joseph's Indian School at 1301 N. Main in Chamberlain, SD 57325, the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas, Topeka, 66608, or Birthright of Topeka, 512 SW 7th, Topeka, KS 66603 as these are all organizations Frances supported over the years.

Due to covid concerns, a celebration of life will be announced at a later date so all who want to share stories and fellowship can do so safely.