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BORN
1923
DIED
2010
Willene Schmitt Obituary
Aug. 24, 1923- Nov. 11, 2010
Our gracious, witty southern lady has left us. There is a Willene sized hole in our hearts and lives. This warm and wonderful woman worked Ventura real estate for 30 years (mid 60s-mid 90s) as a well respected professional. Her greatest efforts were helping first time buyers find their home.
She served on many committees at the Board of Realtors. She was a longtime member of El Camino Women's Club, and a 51-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Her spirit of voluntarism led her into many areas including Ventura Chamber Women's Division, the Boys and Girls Club serving on the board for many years, she was Guardian of Job's Daughters, and most recently an active member of LOS, Jamil Court where she took part in their clown group that entertains hospitalized children and she was known as "Cricket."
She was born in Atlanta, Ga., to William Hill Gardner and Laura Eloise Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund "Gunner" Schmitt; her daughter, Wendy Schmitt Driscoll; and son-in-law, John Driscoll.
She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Collett (Edward); her son, William Schmitt (Rosie); seven grandchildren: Jeff Collett (Kim), Ben Collett (Amanda), David Driscoll (Christina), Brandon Schmitt (Marlar), Cory Schmitt (Debra), Edmund and Rebekah Schmitt; and six great-grandchildren.
Internment will be at Ivy Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Braille Institute of Orange County where she received so much help and support and where she made many friends, or to Shriners Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willene Schmitt
Sharon Gillum
November 23, 2010
Dear Sandy and family,
The friendship between our parents was a wonderful thing, we have always loved that they shared such a long and close relationship. We are saddened that Willene has died, she was a grand lady.
We hope that you will all cherish your many memories of her and know that we do too. I last saw her a couple of years ago when I took Mom for a visit. We spent the night and enjoyed the warmth of her company.
Please know that you are all in our prayers.
Sharon Phillips Gillum on behalf of Frances Phillips and Cynthia Phillips Leffler.
Jackie Welch
November 22, 2010
No one was sweeter or kinder than Willene. Our families were very close neighbors many years ago. Willene was as beautiful as her amazing bougainvillea that was always part of the house and one of my favorite memories. Please know that I am thinking of you all and know your sorrow. Love to you all, Jackie Freie Welch
November 20, 2010
To the family of Willene,
We live on Westmont st. in Ventura, and enjoyed knowing Willene, and her Mother, and Gunner. She had a sunny disposition. She would be walking her cute white dog in the last years. Our sympathy goes with you.
Dennis and Irma Tierney
Ventura
November 19, 2010
Sorry to hear of this grand lady's passing. It was a joy and an honor to know her. My peace rest with you and may you find comfort in knowing that she has blessed so many of us over the years. Our prayers are with you......Sue (Woodward) Hanson
November 18, 2010
My Dear SS ad family,
Your Mom was an awesome lady, full of life and so willing to learn new things (braille in her 80's!!) She had her many ups and downs health wise, but was always cheerful. I hope there are 5:00 o'clock toddies in heaven or maybe she will have to start a new tradition. We love you all and are there for you. YSS and Bark
November 18, 2010
Willene; You will dearly missed,the ladies at LOS will all miss you too.may you rest in peace. Rose and Mel Young
Eden Tagle
November 18, 2010
Willene was an Amazing Woman, a very Classy Lady, and a very Loving Mother and Grandmother! She was loved and admired by many and will surely be missed. I will truly miss her sense of humor and her incredible attitude toward life or circumstance. She was always going out of her way to help.
I love you Willene! Thank you for all that you taught me. You will always be in my heart. Rest in peace!
Our love and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
November 18, 2010
We, in Montana, are particularly saddened that our dear Willene won't roll us over in the aisles with her stories any more. She's on to better pastures. We haven't had as many opportunities to be with Willene, due to the miles which separate us. BUT, she has been such a delight, light in so many of our lives. We loved her in an extended family-way. God bless all you (more-closely related DNA folks.) We grieve with you. Mary Beth Linder
Donna Tomlinson
November 18, 2010
It is with great sorrow as I read the passing of Willene. She was my co-worker and special friend. We had some wonderful times working at Gold Key Realtors. I had lost touch with Willene after both of us moved and now she has joined many of our friends in heaven. My prayers and thoughts are with the family at this time of sorrow.
Donna Tomlinson
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