Hilda Ann (Smith) Schmitz

Hilda Ann (Smith) Schmitz age 86 of Westphalia, Michigan, died at her home, surrounded by her loving family on February 28, 2024 after fighting courageously through her struggle with cancer.

Hilda was born on February 1, 1938 in Westphalia, the daughter of Herbert and Agnes (Schrauben) Smith, Thelen. Hilda was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia. Hilda married Michael Schmitz on August 13, 1960. They were married for 63 years. Hilda was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.  Hilda loved her flower gardens, polka dancing and waltzing, all white kitties, playing bingo and playing cards. She loved going to garage sales and going to the cottage in Six Lakes. Each day she would pray the rosary for her family. She loved the blessed mother who was an inspiration her entire life. Hilda had a contagious laugh that could not be duplicated.

Hilda is survived by her husband, Michael and her children, Steven, Kim (Ron) Armbrustmacher, Michelle (Bruce) Schmitt and Vicki (Brian) Pohl and her grandchildren that she cherished and loved dearly, Jackson Schmitz, Katie, Kevin, Brian, David and Adam Armbrustmacher, Emily, Abbey and Ella Pohl.

She is also survived by her siblings, Jerome (Rose) Smith, Edward (Ann) Smith, Albert (Carolee) Smith all of Westphalia, Kathy (Ambrose) Fox of Portland, Patrick Luna of Portland, sisters-in- law, Alice Hoover and Trudy (Jerome) Schafer, step-siblings, Joan Thelen, Clair (Catherine) Thelen, Rosemary (John) Nurenberg, and Virginia (Melvin) Drake, all of Westphalia, Tom (Barbara) Thelen of St. Johns, and Linda (Donald) Thelen of Eagle, also very special friends, Rosie and Dewey Howard. She also had many dear cousins and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Daniel; siblings, Richard and Raymond Smith and Diane Luna, step-siblings, also several brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family would also like to thank Sparrow Hospice, especially Vanessa and Kristina.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The visitation will be from 9:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. The rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes,com. "

Hilda left this inspirational message in mementos at Christmas to her family, “Always remember, you are braver than you know, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and loved more than you know."

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