Stella F. Schmitz

Stella F. (Wolters) Schmitz, 97, of Taos, MO, passed away Friday March 31, 2017. Stella was a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews, and her home was always open to her family and their friends. Stella was born to William Joseph Wolters and Anna Elizabeth (Prenger) Wolters on July 28, 1919, in Taos, MO. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier School. She remained on the family farm for most of her life. She married John R. "Rudy" Schmitz in Taos on November 4, 1972. They lived between farms in Gerald, MO and Taos, MO until his passing on January 23, 1985. Rudy's daughter, Virginia, also preceded Stella in death. A farmer all her life, Stella continued to enjoy farm life working in her garden after she retired. She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. She was active with the prayer line for many years, loved the church festivals, and was a devout Catholic. Stella was one of the kindest, most fun-loving people, you would ever meet and fiercely independent. Her sense of humor was always present, even in the toughest times. She loved to play cards with friends and family. She also enjoyed walking, bird watching, gardening, going out to eat, and just being with family. She was known for her famous fried chicken and homemade kraut and potatoes. Stella taught many of her nieces how to make pies, breads and jellies. Stella liked embroidering, quilting and spending time with her small dogs. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Sylvia Wolters. She was very active in the lives of her many nieces and nephews including: Barbara (Dave) Price-Boucher, Becky (Terry) Morts, Bill Wolters, Betty (Wilfrid) Bernskoetter, Emily (Vernon) Scheulen, Don (Cathy) Wolters, Ken (Alice) Wolters, Jerilyn Lavinder, Janet (Larry) Rademan, Joyce Osborn, June (Oscar) Haid, Jim Wolters, Jeanine (Howard) Kunz, Joan (Delbert) Branson, Jody (John) Kimball, and Virginia's spouse, Carl Horn and their children. Stella was a very important person to her nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and various other family members. She freely offered a sympathetic ear or shoulder to lean on. Stella will be always be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Stella was the youngest child and was preceded in death by her older siblings: Caroline Wolters, Henry ("Doc") Wolters, Emil Wolters, Norbert Wolters, and David Wolters; her sister-in-law, Rosanna Wolters; nephew, Robert (Bobby) Wolters; and great-niece, Casie Price. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 3rd at Dulle-Trimble with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 4th at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 7319 Rt. M, Jefferson City, MO 65101; Masses; or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery Association, 7319 Rt. M, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.