JoAnn Schmitz

JoAnn Schmitz, 70, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker, went to her eternal home Wednesday, August 17, 2016. Rosary will be at 6:30 P.M., Friday, August 26, 2016; Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, August 27, 2016, both at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Wichita, KS. Jo Ann had experienced many health challenges over the years but was recently hospitalized for several weeks battling a serious infection in addition to many other complications. She passed away at the Select Specialty Hospital, Wichita, KS of respiratory arrest following a recent surgery. Jo Ann was born in Wellington, KS, May 15, 1946 to Oscar and Anna Eckermann Miller. She attended St. Martins Catholic School. She later graduated from Caldwell High School in 1965. Jo Ann met the love of her life, Larry Schmitz, in 1962, and they married February 20, 1965. In February, they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. Larry and Jo Ann made their home for 27 years in Medford, OK and then moved to Corpus Christi, TX in 1991. In 1997 they moved to their current home in Bel Aire, KS. Jo Ann is survived by her Husband, Larry; Brother, Charley (Tan) Miller; Sons and Daughters-In-Law, Larry II (Cathy), Bradley (Christine), Ashley (fianc, Winnie), Shelby (Leslie), Michael (Chelsea); 10 beautiful grandchildren, Rebekah, Michael, Madalynn, Rachel, Maleah, Trenton, Riley, David, Bradyn and Kaydn. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Miller and Anna Eckermann Miller. A memorial has been established with: Kapaun Mt. Carmel Catholic High School, 8506 E. Central Ave., Wichita, KS 67206. Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.