Anita Katherine Schmitt's Obituary
Anita Schmitt (nee’ Herberholz), 92 of Portland, OR (formerly of Washington, MO) passed away peacefully on Monday, November 27, 2023.
She is survived by her son, Steven Schmitt of Washington, MO; daughter, Karen Kottkamp and husband Sheil of Portland, OR; daughter-in-law, Debbie Schmitt of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Scott, Jaclyn, Brooke, Kelsey and Sydney; two sisters-in-laws, Darlene Davis and husband Bob and Marilyn Forthaus; brother-in-law, John Belluso; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Anita was preceded in death by her son, Greg Schmitt; her husband, Edwin Schmitt; and brother, Mathias Herberholz.
Anita was born in St. Louis MO and moved to a family farm outside of Union when she was 5 years old. After graduating from Union High School, Anita attended St. Louis University School of Nursing where she received an RN license. Anita worked in healthcare until her children arrived, and at that point she became a stay-at-home Mom.
Anita first meet Edwin in 2nd grade where they both attended St. Joseph’s Neier School for religious education. They started dating after Ed was discharged from the service, though she happily claimed that she kept track of him while he was gone through his family.
When her children were older, Anita started working part-time at the St. Louis County Library and was there for 35 years. She did not retire until she was 80. She also volunteered as an Election Judge from Gerald Ford’s Administration up until the H.W. Bush Administration.
After living in Creve Coeur Mo for over 50 years, in 2012 Anita and Ed move to Washington to live out their retirement at the Homestead, where Anita stayed active attending most of the activities the community offered. In 2021, Anita needed more assistance and moved out to Portland OR to be closer to her daughter.
Anita loved books and always had plenty around at her home to read. She also loved birds and kept multiple bird feeders fully stocked so birds of all kinds would come and visit, but the humming birds were her favorite.
Anita’s kind, welcoming, and giving nature will be remembered forever by many and will be deeply missed.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Washington, MO with Rev. Nick Winker officiating. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.
Visitation for 92-year-old Anita Schmitt will be held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Franklin County Humane Society or St. Vincent de Paul Society.
The Schmitt family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, MO.
What’s your fondest memory of Anita?
What’s a lesson you learned from Anita?
Share a story where Anita's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Anita you’ll never forget.
How did Anita make you smile?