Rose Mary Schmitz, 81, of Seneca, KS, died Friday morning, November 23, 2007, at the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital in Seneca.

She was born March 19, 1926, the daughter of John G. and Mary Jordan Hulsing on the family homestead north of Baileyville. Rose Mary attended Sacred Heart School through the 9th grade at Baileyville and helped on the family farm. One of Rose Mary’s accomplishments was that she received her high school diploma after successfully completing the GED.

On September 10, 1946, she married Edwin J. Schmitz at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. The couple farmed north of St. Benedict and raised their 11 children. He husband Edwin preceded her in death on June 13, 1981. Rose Mary enjoyed being a mother and a homemaker; she also worked at Nemaha Valley Community Hospital for 19 years, retiring in October 1995. Rose Mary loved her children dearly, and often said that the one thing she was most proud of was her family, and that she was in high spirits whenever she was able to see her kids.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in St. Benedict and more recently Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca, the St Ann’s Altar Society at both parishes, holding offices while in St. Benedict; she was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Rose Mary enjoyed gardening, embroidering, and the spring when everything was new and awakening. She was generous with her time, volunteering at Sts. Peter & Paul Mission, and with the Clear Creek Township Election Board.

She leaves behind five sons, Robert of Enid, OK, Steven of Jacksonville, NC, Nicholas of Olathe, Edwin Jr. of Harrisonville, MO, and Darrin of Baileyville; four daughters, Mary Lou Koch of Hoyt, Joan Stallbaumer of Wichita, Patricia Johnson of Topeka, and Pam Ziegler of Olpe; 19 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by sons, Lynn on Oct. 16, 1977, and Ronald on June 12, 1985; a half brother, Raphael Hulsing; four brothers, Francis (infant), Nicholas, Anthony “Tony” and John Paul Hulsing; and two sisters, Helen Koch and Barbara Deters.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 AM Monday, November 26, at St. Peter & Paul Church in Seneca. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Mary’s Church Cemetery in St. Benedict. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorial contributions may be given for Nemaha Valley Community Hospital or donor’s choice, and sent in care of the family.