Wilma Rose Miller Schmidt

Wilma Rose Miller Schmidt, 94, of Jefferson City, died Sunday, February 18, 2018, at Adams Street Place. She was born January 5, 1924, in California, Mo. to Audie O. Miller and Pearl D. Thompson Miller. She lived most of her life in California, Mo. In later years she moved to Jefferson City to live near her daughter. On October 11, 1941, Wilma was married in Tipton, Mo. to Jerome A. Schmidt, who died February 12, 1970. Wilma is survived by one daughter, Jerry D. Schmidt Engelby (Roger) of Jefferson City and four grandchildren. Susanne J. Engelby Neely (Darren), Lenexa, Kan., Randy A. Engelby (Michelle), Lenexa, Kan., Joy L. Engelby, Jefferson City and James R. Engelby, Belton, Mo. Also, she had seven great-grandchildren, Danny Neely, Dallas, Texas, Emma and Olivia Neely, Lenexa, Kan., Erica Engelby, Jefferson City, Clayton and Spencer Engelby, Lenexa, Kan., and Ethan Engelby, Belton, Mo., along with numerous nieces and nephews. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, one son that died shortly after birth and all her siblings, brothers Albert Miller, Harold Miller and Dean Miller, and sisters Juanita Miller Newlin, Margaret Miller Morris, and Georgie Miller Rodgers. Beginning in World War II, Wilma started working for California Woolen Mills. She worked there a number of years. A best friend of Wilma's was Lloyd "Lucky" Cassidy. She was also his caregiver for many years until his death March 31, 2002. Wilma enjoyed fishing and playing card games of pinochle, hearts and Golf. She loved watching old cowboy movies and the '50's TV Westerns and listening to her records. A highlight of her day was watching Jeopardy with her daughter. Her sense of humor infected everyone who knew her. She was always first to laugh at herself and enjoy a good joke, and her quick wit made her the life of any party. More than anything else, she really enjoyed spending time with all of her family. In honor of her wishes, her remains were donated to the University of MO Medical Center. A private celebration of life will be held later this spring. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.