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Submitted: 11/12/13 • Approved: 11/12/13 • Last Updated: 8/15/15 • R203521-G203519-S3
Bonita V. Schmitz, 97, of Elk Point, SD, passed away Monday, September 23, 2013 at Wel Cov Assisted Living in Elk Point, SD. Bonita was born on June 3, 1916, in Jefferson, South Dakota, to Henry and Amanda (Chicoine) Bertrand. On April 26, 1938, she married the love of her life, George Schmitz, and together they happily raised eight children. They remained devoted to each other until his passing in 1994. Bonita was a quiet, witty and reserved person who enjoyed spending calm afternoons in the garden or kitchen. She was a deeply devoted mother, even winning a “Mother of the Year” award from the Catholic Daughters at St. Joseph Catholic Church. When she wasn’t at home with her family she was highly involved in her church, participating in both the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters. Her life’s work was her faith in God and service to her family and friends. Bonita is survived by her children, Ray (Linda) Schmitz of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, Jim (Kaye) Schmitz of Omaha, Nebraska, Joan (Gary) Eslick of Story City, Iowa, Bill (Judy) Schmitz of Jefferson, Genny Ruhaak of Elk Point, Carol (Darrel) Hansen of Sioux City, Iowa, Jerry (Sally) Schmitz of Vermillion, South Dakota, and Kenny (Peggy) Schmitz of South Sioux City, Nebraska; her sister, Lorraine Montagne, of Sioux City; 23 Grandchildren; 48 Great-Grandchildren; and 17 Great-Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Schmitz; her granddaughter, Ann Marie Schmitz; and her grandsons, Scott Schmitz, and Matthew Schmitz; her son-in-law, Bill Ruhaak.
Contributed on 11/12/13 by southdakota_gravestones
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Record #: 203521