Catherine Ilene Schmieding

Catherine Ilene Schmieding, 74, of West Woodrow in Shelby, passed away peacefully at home, November 13, 2025. She was born to Albert and Ilene James on November 5th, 1951.

Cathy lived her entire life within a square mile of Blooming Valley in Shelby, Michigan. Within the borders of that tiny piece of land, she experienced a world of happiness. It was in the valley that she, as the oldest of six children, grew up on a family dairy farm showing her talent for caring for animals and others. It was in the valley that she went to school, and met the love of her life, Donald. This same small patch of land was where they settled down and spent 52 wonderful years together. It was here that together they raised three amazing and deeply loved daughters, Linda, Julie, and Kristen. Their family grew as each girl met the love of their lives in Ryan, Derek, and David. It grew again as each grandchild came along. Jasper, Kiera, Jackson, Ashlynn, Lincoln, and Della all learned that Grandma and Grandpa's valley was filled with love, laughter, and happiness.

Cathy was many things to many people. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was a caring nurse at Shelby hospital, and a good friend and wax worker at Howmet. Although she was humbly all of these things, she was first and foremost a beloved daughter of our Lord Jesus.

There are so many here whose lives she touched and so many who will miss her deeply; may we find comfort in knowing she is home with her Lord, and we will see her again someday.

Cathy is survived by her husband, Donald Schmieding; daughters, Linda (Ryan) Ransom, Julie (Derek) Sines, and Kristen (David) Uhl; siblings, Darrel, Paul, and Mark James, Lorraine Mitteer and Mary Rapes; beloved grandchildren, Jasper and Kiera Ransom, Jackson and Ashlynn Sines, and Lincoln and Della Uhl.

A private family memorial service will be held in honor of Cathy.

Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is in charge of arrangements.