Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Schmidt

Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Schmidt, 89, of Columbia, MO, formerly of Robinson, IL, died August 24, 2017 at The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace in Columbia, MO. She was born December 26, 1927 in Xenia, IL, the daughter of John Riley Bumgarner & Mary Frances (Boa) Sheets, both of whom preceded her in death. She married K. A. "Art" Farley on March 23, 1946. She then married Dr. William B. Schmidt on March 8, 1979 and he preceded her in February of 2010. She is survived by her daughter & son-in-law, Mary Anne & Max Jennings (Columbia, MO); by her sons & daughters-in-law, Jim & Terri Farley (Charleston, IL), John & Susie Farley (Mahomet, IL), and Bill & Kathi Farley (Norman, OK); by her step-son & daughter-in-law, Dr. Terry & Pearl Schmidt (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren, Amee Duff, Heather Owen, Gregg Jennings, Kimberly Farley, Chet Farley, Mandy Jared, Casey Bailey, Matt Farley, and Kari Rich; by her step-granddaughter, Susan Schmidt; by 15 great-grandchildren; by her step-brothers & sisters-in-law, John & Ann Bumgarner (Shallotte, NC), Roger & Cheryl Bumgarner (Carbondale, CO), and David & Alice Bumgarner (Grand Junction, CO); by her step-sister, Karen (Bumgarner) Judd (Crawfordsville, IN); as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Bette was a 1945 graduate of Oblong High School. Years later, she would attend Eastern Illinois University, where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration. She dedicated much of her life to caring for others, having worked as a nurse, medical assistant, and business manager at Schmidt Clinic in Robinson for over 40 years. Away from the clinic, she stayed active in several organizations, including the American Association of University Women, the University of Illinois Alumni Association, and the Daughters of American Revolution. Locally, she was a former board member of the Crawford County State Bank and was a fixture within numerous local and community clubs in Crawford County. Her community and her family have lost a kind and generous spirit in Bette Schmidt. It was Bette’s wish to have private family services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Oblong Christian Children’s Home, with envelopes available at the funeral home.