Evelyn Elaine (Ely) Schmidt

Evelyn Elaine (Ely) Schmidt passed away on August 24, 2026, in Wichita, KS.  She was born on December 30, 1934, to Oren and Frances Ely where she learned the value of hard work and faith on the family farm near Inman, KS.  Elaine attended Hesston Academic Academy, Hesston College and Bethel College obtaining her degree in Elementary Education, working as a teacher in both regular and special education.   She married Harry Schmidt of Greensburg, Kansas, May 30, 1959; having two children, Julie and Mike.  Elaine was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and accepted him as her savior at a young age, being baptized at West Liberty Mennonite Church near Inman.  As a devoted Christian she often volunteered her gifts in teaching children, serving with Mennonite Central Committee, Operation Christmas Child and at Ridgepoint Church. She especially enjoyed family time even if it involved hard work and valued family traditions of helping with wheat harvest, cooking large holiday meals and fruit and vegetable canning.   Due to memory issues, Elaine and Harry moved to Assisted Living and eventually Memory Care where they continued to be active, attending church and enjoying time with family.  Elaine will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her four grandsons and two great grandsons.

Visitation will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Friday, August 28, 2026, with Funeral Service at 2:00 pm, Saturday, August 29, 2026, both at Ridgepoint Church. Services will be live streamed and available to view by visiting: https://ridgepointwichita.com/funeral. Graveside will be 1:00 pm, Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Resurrection Cemetery.

Memorials have been established with: Mennonite Central Committee, P. O. Box 235, 121 East 30^th Street, North Newton, Kansas 67117 and Ridgepoint Church, 8000 West 21st Street, Wichita, Kansas 67205.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey West Mortuary.