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Eleanor Schmidt January 1st ,1922-April 16,2024 Eleanor Forrer Schmidt, 102, left this world peacefully on April 16, 2024, to be greeted by the loving arms of Jesus and so many loved ones that passed before her. She will be sadly missed, but forever loved. She was born at home in Berwyn IL, on Sunday morning, January 1st, 1922, to Herbert Stratford Forrer and Clarissa Forrer (Atwood) and her older sister Elizabeth Forrer (Applebee). Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Franklin Schmidt Jr. She is survived by her three children, H.J. Schmidt (Sharon), of Fort Worth, TX, Clarissa (Crissy) Schmidt of South Bend IN, Elaine Schuller (Mark) of Tulsa, OK, granddaughter Clarissa Schuller of Tulsa OK, grandson Stephen Schuller of Half Moon Bay CA, seven nieces and nephews, & numerous great nieces & nephews. Eleanor’s father worked for the federal government in the early 1900’s in the Narcotics Bureau until he retired. She grew up in Kansas City, MO. She and her sister would spend summers in Tarkio, MO with their uncle Durham & aunt Nellie Rankin. She attended McMurray College in Jacksonville, IL, & University of Kansas City (UMKC), studying English Literature. It was here, at a social dance, she met a young “Schmidt boy” who asked her to dance. He was a brother of one of her Sigma Beta Sorority sisters, Donna Schmidt (Kovar). Hence, the courtship began and sisterhood continued. During WWII, Ray served in the army in London, England Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Forces. Following his service, Eleanor and Ray were united in marriage on June 8th, 1946 in Kansas City MO. They lived in Kansas City where Ray worked for his father’s commercial painting company, Raymond Schmidt & Son. Later they moved to Tarkio, MO where Eleanor had spent her childhood summers. They ran EL Ray Motel before inheriting Burr Oak Ranch from her Aunt Nellie Rankin. This was home for many decades. Eleanor was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood (71 yrs), a Girl Scout leader, & active in the Christian Science Church in Shenandoah, IA. She also worked at the Flower Mill where a bit of her creativity was expressed. She especially enjoyed playing duplicate bridge with friends, hosting holiday meals for family and those without family. After Ray retired, they became full time RV’rs expanding their circle of friends. They worked and lived at the Grand Canyon and Everglades National Parks & loved to pass on their love of nature. In 1996, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Eureka Springs, AR with family. The Episcopal minister who married them was even able to attend. After Ray died in 2001, Eleanor continued to travel on her own, spending time with her children across the country. In 2004, she moved from Naples, FL to Tulsa with Elaine & her family. She continued to read voraciously, was active in her church, Faith United Methodist, & her P.E.O. chapter EY in Tulsa. She was a part of Faith’s knitting group, Sit & Be Fit, & PrimeTimers. Eleanor will be remembered for her patience, sweet smile, kindness, grace, & spunk. The family wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Good Shepherd for their wonderful care. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 on Monday, May 13, 2024 at Faith United Methodist Church 7431 E. 91st St. Tulsa, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor’s memory may be made to The P.E.O. Sisterhood www.peointernational.org/make-a-gift OR Faith United Methodist Church of Tulsa. Burial will be at later date in Jacksonville, IL. Every blade in the field-Every leaf In the forest-lays down its life in its season as beautifully as it was taken up. ~~Henry David Thoreau

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Eleanor Forrer Schmidt

January 1, 1922 - April 16, 2024