Clara Marie (Herrmann) Schmitt

Clara Marie (Herrmann) Schmitt was born in Kinsley on January 22nd, 1927 to John Henry and Mary Elizabeth (Lobmeyer) Herrmann.

Her and her six siblings - Henrietta, Liz, Sister Barbara Ann, George, Lawrence and Joe, were raised on the family farm near Kinsley.

On October 18th, 1949, she married Charles Robert Schmitt. They were blessed with two children – Leon Charles and Mary Ann, and four grandchildren – Krystle, Chelsea, Sierra and Madison.

Clara graduated from Kansas Newman University and held various jobs, but her main passion was in the farming and ranching business that she established with her husband, Charles.

She earned her pilots license in 1971. The family became members of the International Flying Farmers organization where she served as Kansas Flying Farmer Queen in 1973.

Clara was involved in many organizations through the years, most notably Daughters of Isabella and was President of the Dodge City Diocesan Council of Catholic Women.  She was also a member of the Cowbelles organization. She and Charles were also proud members of the Tired Iron Club.

She loved being involved in the community and in the farming business. She had an immense love of reading – just about anything! She especially enjoyed having friends and family gather at her home for holidays, card games, and food.

A major aspect in Clara’s life was her faith in God. She was a longtime member of the St. Nicholas Catholic Parish in Kinsley where she served as Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Clara is survived by her husband Charles, daughter Mary Ann, and granddaughters Krystle (Jacobs) Sandman, Chelsea Schmitt, Sierra Schmitt and Madison McElwain.

She has one surviving sister, Liz Loibl of Dodge City, KS.

Preceded in death by her son Leon, 3 brothers, George, Joe and Lawrence Herrmann, and 2 sisters, Sister Barbara Ann Herrmann and Henrietta Schulte.

At the age of 96, Clara was called home on September 5, 2023.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 7th at 10:30am at St. Nicholas Catholic Church with Father Ben Green presiding. The Rosary Vigil will be held on Friday, October 6 at 7:00pm, St. Nicholas Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donation be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 706 East 6th, Kinsley KS 67547, In care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley.

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