Dolores H. Schmitz, 70, of Axtell, KS, died Monday morning, July 1, 2002, at her home in Axtell. She had bravely fought cancer.

She was born August 7, 1931, on a farm north of Baileyville, KS, the daughter of Anthony and Barbara Hulsing Deters. In 1933 the family moved to a farm south of Baileyville where she grew up, attended Sacred Heart School at Baileyville, and helped on the family farm. As a young woman, she helped in local homes doing domestic work and childcare, especially helping families with newborn babies. She worked in Seneca, in the home of Savilla and Elmer Winterscheidt.

On May 2, 1953, she married Norbert Schmitz at Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. They lived north of Seneca for a year and then south of Baileyville until 1961 when they moved to a farm south of Axtell. They farmed, raised livestock, and operated a Grade-A Dairy. Dolores also raised chickens. In 1990 they retired and moved into Axtell.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Church, St. Michael’s Guild, the quilting group at the church and the American Legion Auxiliary, all in Axtell. She was a former member of Sacred Heart Church in Baileyville. Among her special interests were crocheting, embroidery, gardening, and canning.

Survivors are her husband Norbert of the home; six sons, David A. Schmitz of Holton, KS, Lawrence “Larry” Schmitz of Reading, KS, James “Jim” Schmitz of Frankfort, KS, William J. “Bill” Schmitz of Newton, KS, Fr. Dennis Schmitz and Joseph G. “Joe” Schmitz, both of Axtell; a daughter, Janet A. Ronnebaum of Axtell; three brothers, Clarence Deters of Ozawkie, KS, Linus Deters of Seneca, and Leonard Deters of Baileyville; a sister, Rita Schmitz of Horton, KS; and 19 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Kay Schmitz on December 18, 1965; a granddaughter, Stacy Schmitz on September 29, 1990; four sisters, Henrietta Deters (infant), Evelyn Olberding, Dorothy Cain, and Elizabeth “Betty” Kramer.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 AM Thursday, July 4, at St. Michael’s Church in Axtell. She will lie in state at the church for an hour preceding the mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 8 PM Wednesday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for St. Michael’s Church or for St. Michael’s School or for the donor’s choice, and sent in care of the family.