Lela Schmidt

Lela Mae Schmidt (Kaufman) died September 17, 2025 at the age of 98. She was born November 20,1926 in Murdock, Kansas to Henry and Lydia (Voran) Kaufman. A musician and an athlete throughout high school, she carried her talents on to Bethel College and graduated with a teaching degree in 1947. After her time at Bethel she married Martin Schmidt on May 23, 1948 at Bethany Mennonite Church near the town of Belmont. They moved to North Newton and raised three boys: Michael, David, and Butch. Both she and Martin served as custodians at Bethel College Mennonite Church for 18 years, and they also owned and operated Martin Supply, a plumbing and HVAC company in North Newton.

She enjoyed traveling, baking, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and volunteering for Community Playschool at BCMC for over 38 years. She was an avid gardener, well known for her green thumb and beautiful flower gardens. She took great joy in mowing her own lawn, even up to the age of 95! Lela is survived by her sons David Schmidt and Butch (Denise) Schmidt, daughter-in-law Melissa Schmidt, 9 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and her brothers Robert and Willard Kaufman, as well as her son Micheal and daughter-in-law Debbie Schmidt.

A private burial will occur on October 25th, 2025. A reception will follow at 2pm in the fellowship hall of Bethel College Mennonite Church, where all who knew her are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Community Playschool at PO Box 364, North Newton KS 67117.