Luella Schmidt

Luella Catherine Schmidt, 95, took her place in heaven on January 26, 2017, after a long and fruitful life.

Luella was born on March 30, 1921, to Frank and Bernadine (Hulsing) Bergman on the family farm in Baileyville, Kansas. She was raised in a devout Catholic family, and her faith would sustain her throughout her life. Luella was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Buhl for 70 years. She served the church in many capacities throughout that time. She was a member and past president of the Buhl Council of Catholic Women and was honored as their Woman of the Year in 2003.

Luella began her education in a one-room school house near Baileyville, Kansas, and transferred to the Catholic school in St. Benedict, Kansas, in the fourth grade. She continued on to complete high school. She was an excellent student and was offered a college scholarship upon graduation.
Luella married Paul Schmidt in St. Mary's Church in St. Benedict, Kansas, on June 27, 1945. She and Paul with their eldest child David moved to Buhl, Idaho, in January 1947. They had eight children: David (Sheila) of Las Vegas, NV, Glenn (Debbie) of Pocatello, ID, Carol (K.C.) Sullivan of Superior, MT, Jim (Terry) of Shingletown, CA, Darrell (Cindy) of Portland, TX, Allan (Sharon) of Buhl, ID, Jerry (Kathy) of Coto de Caza, CA, and Tom (Mary) of Boise, ID. Luella raised her eight children with faith, patience, discipline, and humility. She assisted her children with their education and encouraged them to use their talents to the best of their ability. She reinforced their Catholic faith at home with prayer and devotion.

Luella was a model homemaker who provided for all of her family's needs. She loved living in the country, gardening, sewing, quilting, and maintaining a beautiful home. She was very soft-spoken. When she did voice her opinion, it was well thought out and wise. Her quiet persuasion was evident when she would guide her children through their studies and encourage them to succeed.

Luella was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, her siblings, and one grandchild. She is survived by her 8 children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, and hundreds of extended family members. Luella's legacy of faith and family will live on in the future through her many descendants.

We would like to thank the staff of Hospice Visions for their excellent end of life care. Memorials can be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or the Buhl Council of Catholic Women.


We will celebrate Luella's life on Saturday, February 4, 2017, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Buhl, Idaho. There will be visitation at 10:00 am, followed by the Rosary at 10:30 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00 am, and burial to follow at the Buhl West End Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories at a funeral dinner following the burial.