SCHMIDT, Mary (Leone)

The Payson Roundup, Payson, Arizona, Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Mary “Leone” Leone Schmidt May 10, 1919 - August 6, 2015 Mary Leone Schmidt fell asleep in death Aug. 6, 2015 in Payson, Ariz. Leone was born May 10, 1919 in Lime Springs, Iowa, the second child of Theophilus and Elsie Herpelinck. She had an older brother, Howard. The family lived on a small farm and raised dairy cows and chickens. They also had horses, ducks, dogs and cats, many of which were special pets. Leone had a cat named “Pesty” who would be the first in a long line of cats throughout her life. In the early 1900’s, Leone’s mother began to read sermons in the newspaper written by Charles T. Russell. She knew she had found the truths from the Bible that she had been searching for. She shared what she had read with the family. As a young child, Leone came to love and appreciate God’s Word. In 1935, Leone was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In 1940, Leone married Elmer Schmidt. They were married for 55 years until his death in 1995. They moved to Phoenix, Ariz. in 1948 and lived there for many years. When Elmer retired, they moved to Payson, Ariz. Leone lived there until her death. Her health declined in recent years, but she never lost her zeal or love for Bible truths; she was a faithful, loyal servant of Jehovah. We look forward to seeing her again in Jehovah’s due time. “He will call, the dead will answer.” Job 14:14, 15 Leone is survived by her niece, Susan Mattis and her husband Daniel. Also surviving are a nephew, Douglas Herpelinck; several cousins and many friends. A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1616 N. McLane Rd., Payson, Ariz. at 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Donations may be made to the local animal shelter of your choice.