Minnie was born on February 17, 1924, in Bayard, NE to Felep and Amelia (Kaufman) Schmitt. She had 11 siblings. They moved to Sidney, MT in 1931 where Minnie started school. Minnie contracted Polio as a child and in 1963. She then moved to the Boulder River School, in Boulder, MT to attend school. On January 17, 1977, Minnie moved to Great Falls, MT and lived in the Phoenix House. Minnie lived in a Quality Life Concepts group home and attended the SOAR day program until the time of her passing on February 26, 2017. Minnie was 93 years young at the time of her passing and passed in her home surrounded by the many people who loved her.
Minnie was an amazing woman. She was full of spunk, had a wonderful sense of humor with a contagious laugh. She was a talented artist. Minnie loved scrapbooking pictures of her favorite foods, animals and places she liked to go or dreamt of visiting. She often times liked to do beadwork and spent hours of her life crafting beautiful bead necklaces and bracelets. You could always tell where Minnie was sitting during her day as a pool of multi-colored beads was often present where she sat. Minnie loved drawing and coloring pictures and was quite the salesperson! She had a knack of marketing her “Minnie Original’s” to friends and was delighted when she successfully gained another sale of her wares.
Minnie did not like road construction! She often communicated her dislike with an array of colorful expletives and was forever frustrated as she felt the tasks of road repair should have been completed on “Monday”. Minnie was often seen on a mission of determination for whatever activity she was headed to and in her later years was very adept in navigating her walker in a speedy and determined manner to get to her next activity. Minnie loved baked goods and cookies were a favorite. She loved activities such as dancing, especially when she could be in a large group with many of her friends. She loved to have her hair done and her nails painted. Minnie loved nice clothes and accessorizing with her favorite jewelry. Minnie attended two very special “proms” the last two years of her life, donning beautiful formal dresses she was so very proud of. Her face just glowed as she was all dressed up for these special dances with her friends.
Minnie loved books and magazines and would spend countless hours looking through them as she relaxed. She enjoyed social events such as bowling, shopping at the mall and driving around Great Falls looking at the scenery. Minnie loved feeding the ducks at the local park and enjoyed spending time with her many friends.
Minnie will be sorely missed by her family at Quality Life Concepts. Her zest for life, ability to smile and enjoy people was truly an inspiration for those fortunate enough to have known her. Minnie was the oldest person in services in the State of Montana at the time of her passing. Rest well beautiful friend. Until we meet again!
Minnie is survived by her three brothers, Harry Schmitt and Larry Schmitt both of Sidney, MT, and James Schmitt, Hillsboro, OR; two sisters, Rose Gierke, Billings, MT and Mickey Fleming, Pleasant Hill, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Minnis was preceded in death by: her parents, two brothers, and three sisters.