Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 14, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Eads United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Eads Cemetery. Mrs. Schmitt died unexpectedly at her home in Strasburg, Colorado in November 9, 2009. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eads United Methodist Church.


Virginia Faye Piper Schmitt, lovingly called Grandma was born on July 14, 1925 in First View, Colorado. She died peacefully at her home in Strasburg, Colorado on November 9, 2009. She had celebrated her 84th birthday in July. Faye was the fourth child in the Piper family of six children, all but her sister, Ruth have preceded her in death.


Her love of animals began at an early age, having both a pet goat and geese, among her many animal farm friends. She also shared her love of gardening digging in the dirt from her mom, Flossie. Faye attended Prairie School in Smoky Angle until she finished her education in Kit Carson, Colorado. Employment at Weisbrod Memorial Hospital found her in Eads, where she enjoyed her job as a nurse aid and met her sailor, Joe Schmitt, the love of her life. They were married on June 23, 1946. Four children were born to this union, Marsha Lynn, Jolene Frances, Marlene Faye and Joseph Blaine.


The Schmitt Place was a favorite, as it was just across from the school and down the alley to the church. Joe provided for the family while Faye held down the fort. Joe and Faye resided in Eads until a new business opportunity brought them to Strasburg, Colorado. First a trailer, then they built their home, where Grandma resided until her sudden passing.


Grandma enjoyed gardening, especially her leaf lettuce, carrots and zucchini. She was a great cook, especially her fried chicken and lemon meringue pie. She often would be found lifting her voice in song singing her favorite hymns while doing her household chores. One of her favorite pastimes was chatting with old friends on the phone. Grandma was blessed to have all her family close by. She always made time to lend a sympathetic ear or give wise advice when asked. Her day was especially brightened when children would drop by on her doorstep. She loved her grandchildren dearly. She lost her companion and only love Joe on December 26, 2008 and had a hard time being without him.


Grandma, a Tough old bird she called herself, was tougher than she thought, as her strong faith in Jesus Christ her Lord gave her the strength to endure the last 11 months. Grandma was looking so forward to celebrating thanksgiving at home with her family.


She leaves to mourn her passing, her children Marsha (Roger) Mousel of Aurora, CO, Jolene (Art) Ritkouski of Brighton, CO, Marlene (Mick) Weiser Fields of Strasburg, CO and Blaine Schmitt of Strasburg, CO. Faye is also survived by her grandchildren Pamela Mousel of Bennett, CO, Major R.J. (Colby) Mousel of Montclair, VA, Traci (Eldon) Elpers of Strasburg, CO and Troy (Evie) Weiser of Strasburg, CO as well as by her great grandchildren Erica and Thomas Elpers and Taylor and Bailey Weiser and her sister Ruth Miller of Eads and sister-in-law Bessie Piper of Canon City, Co as well as a host of many friends.