Ethel R. Schmid

Ethel Ruth Caroline Schmid, age 83, of Kansas City, MO was called home to be with her Lord on Monday, December 2, 2019 at Kansas City Hospice House & Palliative Care.

On February 7, 1936 the Lord blessed Hans and Elsie Press of Detroit, MI with the gift of a daughter whom they named Ethel Ruth Caroline Press. Ethel was baptized into the saving faith of Jesus Christ on February 16, 1936 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI by Pastor G.M. Krach.

She confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of her life in the rite of confirmation on April 10, 1949 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI under Pastor G.M. Krach. Her confirmation verse was: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4.

Ethel attended Detroit Lutheran High School graduating on June 11, 1953. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Concordia College in Fort Wayne, IN on June 5, 1955 and completed her three-year teaching diploma from Concordia River Forest in 1956. She taught for two years in Sheboygan, WI. In Gulfport, MS she met Reverend John Schmid through her brother Gottfried Press and the rest is history.

She pledged her faithful and lifelong love to Reverend John Bruening Schmid on July 5, 1958 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI. Pastor and Ethel were blessed with the birth of six children: Rachel, Ruth, Rhoda, Rebecca, John E, and Jonathan.

Ethel was proceeded in death by her parents Hans Press and Elsie Press; husband Reverend John Bruening Schmid; siblings Gottfried Press, Charlotte Wilks, Hans Press Jr., Donald Press, Luella Dusterhoft; granddaughter Jenny Newman.

Ethel is survived by her six children and their families: Rachel and David Newman of Arlington, TX; Sarah and Mark Scibinico of Galveston, TX; Clare and Jared Reinecke of Dallas, TX; Ruth and Jeff, Hope and Luke Kunkel of Lee’s Summit, MO; Jessica and Mitch Ransburg of Plainfield, IL; Rhoda and Scott, Brett, Seth and Ryan Quarterson of Olathe, KS; Rebecca and Chris, and Raya Duryea of Steamboat Springs, CO; Matthia and Dewey Rodgers of Fort Collins, CO; Kailee Duryea of Fort Collins, CO; Amaris Duryea of Denver, CO; and John E and Cheri, Euan and Bella Schmid of Rockford, IL; Jonathan and KerriAnn, Abraham and Lily Schmid of Belleville, IL.

Ethel was a prayer warrior and loved singing hymns, especially with her children and grandchildren. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a large supporter of Lutheran education, and she could be found supporting all her grandchildren in various activities such as basketball games, volleyball games, soccer games, concerts, musicals, graduations, and weddings.

Ethel lived to bless others and spread the love of Jesus alongside Reverend Schmid. She was a blessing to our family. We will miss her dearly but are so grateful that because of Christ this was not “goodbye” forever, but simply “see you later.” We eagerly await the day we all stand together in the presence and glory of God, singing His praises for all eternity. To God be the glory!

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 11AM, Saturday, December 7 at Peace Lutheran Church, 8240 Blue Ridge Blvd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church.

Visitation will be 9AM, with services to follow at 11AM, Saturday, December 7 at Peace Lutheran Church, 8240 Blue Ridge Blvd.; burial in Memorial Park Cemetery.