SCHMIDT, Marian Webb Armer

Marian Webb Armer Schmidt, an Arizona native who filled her life serving her family and community, died June 11, 2003, at Sun Valley Lodge in Sun City, Arizona. She was 91 years old. She was born in Roosevelt, Arizona, shortly after the construction of the Roosevelt Dam. Her parents were pioneers in Gila County where Marian mastered ranching skills from riding horses to fence mending and camp cooking. While a student at Globe High School, she was the Arizona Women's tennis champion. She graduated from the University of Arizona in Home Economics in 1932 and afterwards taught at Globe High School. In 1934, Marian married Frank C. Armer. They lived in several Arizona communities before settling in Phoenix in 1945 where Marian became active in community service and social activities. She was committed to education and served as PTA president at Kenilworth School and later as a member of the Phoenix Elementary No. 1 School Board for over 10 years. She was active in Gamma Phi Beta, PEO, Phoenix Garden Club, Arizona Cowbelles, and the First Presbyterian Church. She had friends and acquaintances throughout the state. In 1956 Carnation Milk Company on Central Avenue employed Marian as a home economist where she worked for 15 years. One of her favorite duties was hosting the tours of the plant for Phoenix school children and giving them an ice cream treat. Marian and Frank had four children: Frank Jr. "Toby" (deceased), Mike, Cindy (deceased) and Judy. In 1969 Frank Armer died and in 1974 Marian married Henry Schmidt. They retired to Sun City in 1976 and they devoted themselves to their family, church activities, and inter-national travel. In recent years illnesses curtailed their activities and Henry died in 2000. Marian is survived by her son Mike Armer, her daughter Judy Armer, and nine grandchildren. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, social tolerance, loyal friendship, and loving concern for others. Services will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church at 16000 N. Del Webb Boulevard in Sun City, Arizona, on July 12th at 11:00 am. Published in The Arizona Republic on 6/22/2003.