Patricia Ann Schmidt, 87, died April 9 at Great Bend Regional Hospital. Born Oct. 11, 1923, at Syracuse, Kan., she was the daughter of George Francis "Frank" and Alma Madge (Brown) Shirley. On July 26, 1946, she married Eugene G. Schmidt at Syracuse. He died on Feb. 22, 1986. After receiving her education degree from Emporia State University, she taught at Johnson and Syracuse. A resident of Great Bend since 1993, coming from Syracuse, she was a retired librarian for the Hamilton County Public Library in Syracuse. She especially enjoyed traveling, both nationally and internationally, experiencing the world.

Mrs. Schmidt was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, PEO, Order of Eastern Star Golden Sheaf Chapter No. 226, several bridge clubs, and a board member of the Golden Belt Community Concert Association, all of Great Bend. She also volunteered for the Barton Community College Center of Adult Education’s English as a Second Language Program for several years and Meals on Wheels. She was a former member of the Book Club in Syracuse and Syracuse Presbyterian Church, serving the church as organist and choir member for 56 years.

Survivors include a son, Kelly Schmidt and wife Jan of Gregory, Mich.; a daughter, Krista Smith and husband Perry of Great Bend; and two grandchildren, Kelsey Perry and husband Jason, and Mason Smith, all of Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her beloved dog, Iris.

Her body was bequeathed to the University of Kansas Medical Center for research, according to her wishes. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church in Great Bend with the Rev. Dr. Scott Solether and the Rev. James A. Strasen officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a later date in Syracuse. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m., at Bryant Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Golden Belt Community Foundation in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.