Ann Kathryn Schmidt

Ann Kathryn Schmidt left her earthly home on January 3, 2011. Ann was born on January 3, 1952 in Rochester, Minnesota to Laurene and Kenneth "Kap" Miller. She and her brothers, Elwood and Dale and sister, Margaret moved to Glendale Arizona in 1956. It was love at first sight when Ann's husband, Ted first saw her at their 5th grade District Band practice. They began dating later in high school and both attended the University of Arizona where Ann earned a degree in Elementary Education. They were married in 1974. Ann began her teaching career at the Sahuarita Elementary School while Ted attended the University of Arizona law school. After Ted received his law degree, the couple moved to Phoenix where Ann continued to teach in the Chandler Elementary School District until their first son, Matthew was born. They were both active in the Shadow Rock Congregational Church where they taught Sunday school together and Ann helped with the preschool. Their son, Tyler and daughter, Tara were born in Phoenix before the family moved to Tucson in 1988. Shortly after the move, the couple's daughter, Tara died in a tragic accident whereupon Ann and Ted established the Tara Nicole Schmidt "Have a Dream" Memorial Scholarship which Ann closely monitored and administered until her death. This scholarship has provided substantial financial aid to many Arizona High School graduates who aspire to make a significant positive difference in this world. After their fourth child, Savanna was born on November 29, 1993, Ann became very active as an aide and helper at the Manzanita Elementary School. She also spent several years as a den mother for Matt and Ty's Cub Scout Den and later a Girl Scout Leader for Savanna's Brownie and Girl Scout Troop. As Savanna's interest in soccer blossomed, Ann became the manager of her soccer team where she took team managing to a new and higher level. She loved the girls in her Girl Scout troop and on the soccer team as if they were her own and was constantly amazing everyone with her creativity in fun and nurturing activities for the girls in her charge. She made an indescribably positive impact upon all these girls not only as their leader but in the example she set as she lived her life to the fullest and in the most positive manner. Ann was a beautiful human being both inside and out. She touched many lives and will always be remembered for her strength, goodness, love, positive outlook, and an uplifting spirit that served as an inspiration for her family, and friends that will last for generations to come. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and daughter. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ted; children, Matt (Maggie), Tyler (Vonique) and Savanna; her brothers, Elwood (Barbara), Dale (Mara) and Dwight (Karen) and sister, Margaret and several nieces and nephews. A service remembering and honoring Ann's life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 9, 2011 on the East Lawn at THE LODGE AT VENTANA CANYON, 6200 North Clubhouse Lane Tucson, Arizona 85750 Toll Free: (800) 828-5701. A reception will immediately follow at Ann and Ted's home, 1531 E. Placita Abeja, Tucson, AZ 85718 (520) 297-9056. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Tara Nicole Schmidt "Have a Dream" Memorial Scholarship University of Arizona Foundation Care of Ted Schmidt, 1531 E. Placita Abeja, Tucson, AZ 85718. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY.