Viola Schmidt

Viola ""Vi"" Schmidt, 93, of Denver, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2011. Surviving are her children, Jerry (Jeanetta) Schmidt and Judy Schmidt; grandchildren, Andy (Yao) Schmidt and Becka (Joe) Ashcraft; great-grandchildren, Sharon Yan, Sam Ashcraft, Divi Schmidt, Beatrice Ashcraft, and Zaphod Schmidt; sister, Kathryn Sokolowski; and numerous relatives. Funeral Service, Thursday, 10:30AM, Grace United Methodist Church, 4905 E. Yale Ave., Denver. Born March 26, 1917, as Sarah Viola Carpenter in a farmhouse in Elm Creek, Nebraska, she was the 5th of seven children. 'Vi' moved to Akron, Colorado in 1930 where she graduated from high school, was a member and young Sunday school teacher of Akron Methodist Church, and met her future husband and true love ""Ernie."" Vi and Ernie moved to Denver in 1938 where they enjoyed 68 years of marriage. Vi loved meeting people and making new friends was easy for her. It's an amazing tribute to her that she was a lifetime loving friend to so many families and their generations who valued her spirited contribution to their lives. She enjoyed her involvement in many church and school activities and programs; and, as a volunteer, she enjoyed teaching at opportunity school, doing visitations for church and Volunteers of America, and being a Red Cross 'gray lady'—especially at Fitzsimmons during the Vietnam era. She was proud to be a docent (and docent emeritus) at the Denver Zoo and gave many hours of service including tours, presentations, and taking animals to hospital visits. Vi and Ernie became accomplished ballroom dancers and started an exhibition dance group, the Syncopated Strutters entertaining at many events and facilities. They loved to dance the night away and visit friends. As a leader of retiree group tours and programs, she was creative and enthusiastic about each event. In retirement center living, Vi continued her reputation of meeting and welcoming new residents and took her role as hospitality chair and Ambassador to heart. She loved to tease and joke with people and received many good comments about her charm, her well-groomed manner, acrylic nails, and trademark ruffled blouses. Her example and love will remain with many forever even though her spirit departed her earthly home. Suggested memorial donations to Grace United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice in Vi's honor.