Muriel Schmeiser Smittcamp

Muriel Schmeiser Smittcamp died peacefully in the arms of her husband on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. Muriel captivated all who knew her with her warmth, generosity and beautiful smile. We will deeply miss her strength and love, but find solace knowing she is in the arms of her Lord. Muriel was born on July 8, 1917 in a little white farmhouse in Yolo County to Robert Schmeiser, a German farmer, and his beautiful Scottish bride, Jessie May Crook Schmeiser. As the third daughter of a farming family, she quickly learned the values of hard work and sacrifice and the importance of the Lord. When Muriel was very young, the family moved to Corcoran and farmed in the Tulare Lake basin. Floods forced the family to Fresno where Muriel attended Fresno High School. In 1936, while attending Fresno State College where she was Student Body Secretary, she met Earl Smittcamp, the love of her life. When Earl pulled her into a cave during a class field trip at Table Mountain, their fate was sealed with a kiss. They married in 1940, had their first son, Bob, nine months later, then Earl went off with the Marines to defend our country. Muriel and Bob lived with her parents during World War II. With a hope, a dream, a purple heart and not much in his pocket, Earl returned home to his beautiful wife and they began farming what is now known as Wawona Ranch; the first of many Smittcamp businesses. During this time three more children joined Bob; Carol, Betsy and Bill. Muriel and Earl worked hard in the post war era, but life was good. Muriel was active in the Garfield Elementary School Mother's Club, Dry Creek P.T.A., Holiday Guild, Clovis High P.T.A., 4 H, F.F.A., Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, Fresno County Republican Women's Club and the Fresno State Alumni Association. She was a founding member of the Ranchero Guild of Valley Children's Hospital, Board member of the Fresno County Easter Seal Society, Board member of the Fresno County Historical Society and founding member of Clovis Towne Ladies Investment Club. Muriel was honored in 2005 as "Woman of the Year" for the 14th Senate District. The award is presented to distinguished women who exemplify strong leadership and dedication to their community. She also received the California State University Alumni Association's "Outstanding Alumni Award" and Saint Agnes Hospital's "Christ the Healer" award. She was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame in 2001 and, in 2002 she and Earl were honored as "Clovis Living Legends" by the Clovis Historical Society. The couple made generous land donations to Saint Agnes Hospital and California State University, Fresno. Their generosity enabled Fresno State to establish the Smittcamp Alumni House and the Smittcamp Family Honors College. Muriel was definitely the woman behind the man during these years. She provided insight and quiet strength to the many challenges that arose from the operation of the family businesses. She was beautiful, classy, stylish, compassionate and possessed a keen sense of humor. She was the care giver, not only for family, but neighbors, friends and community as well. Muriel was predeceased by her parents; and sisters, June Schmeiser and Mavis Koontz. She is survived by Earl, her husband of 69 years; son, Bob Smittcamp; daughter, Carol Copeland and her husband Lee; daughter, Betsy Kimball and her husband Bob; son, Bill Smittcamp and his wife Linda; 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren with two in the basket; nephew, Dan Koontz; nieces, Gail Burson, Nancy Mitchell, and Susan Stonehouse and their families. A Memorial Service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clovis on Friday, October 9, 2009, at 3:00 p.m. Remembrances may be made to the Smittcamp Family Honors College, 2625 E. Matoian Way, Fresno, Ca. 93724; Children's Hospital Central California, 9300 Valley Childrens Place, Madera, Ca. 93638; or donor's favorite charity.

BOICE FUNERAL HOME 308 Pollasky Avenue Fresno, California (559)299-4372 www.boicefuneralhome.com