Marcia Ann Walthers (Schmidt), 68, McPherson, Kansas was surrounded by family and friends when she went to be with her Lord and Savior after a battle with aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at Via Christi St. Francis, Wichita. Kansas.
Marcia was born on December, 15th, 1948 in Maquoketa, Iowa to Barbara (Norton) Schmidt and Grant Schmidt. She was the only child of this union. She attended several schools and graduated from Santa Ana Valley High School, Santa Ana, California in 1966. Marcia met Denny Walthers at their church and the couple was united in marriage on December 16th, 1966 in Laguna Beach, California. They were together days shy of 51 years of marriage. To this union, two daughters were born. Her faith in God was a testament throughout her life. Her devotion to family was second only to God. Early in life, she dabbled in hotel management, insurance and found a passion for professional cake decorating. She received certificates from Wilton Cake Decorating and went on to teach others with this passion. She and her family moved to McPherson, Kansas in 1993 and was a correspondent and staff writer for the McPherson Sentinel. She also taught computer classes and completed training from Trinity Women’s College in counseling. She was known fondly as the “hug therapist” as she shared her “hug story” regarding her ever-loved cricket. Later in life, she started a card making business and enjoyed a stamping hobby that was shared monthly with her “crafty cottage” friends. Recently she enjoyed working summers at the Jubilee Market. What Marcia cherished most was spending time with her three grandchildren who called her “Grammy.” She was the most loving, devoted, and caring wife, mother and grandmother.
Those who left this world before her include: Grandmother, Wilma Norton, Grandfather, Clarence Norton, Mother, Barbara Jones, Father, Grant Schmidt, Brother, Gary Schmidt, and Sister, Gayle Suiter.
Those left to not only mourn, but celebrate her great life, include: her husband, Denny Walthers of the home; daughters Stephanie Smith, Angela Fehr and husband Michael; brothers, Scott Jones and Greg Schmidt; sisters, Kathy March, Janet Seeley and Mary Morse; aunt, Mary Norton; grandchildren, Chloe, Caleb and EJ. She is also survived by many cousins and friends.
Following her wishes, she has been cremated. A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 28th, 2017 from 5pm-8pm with family present. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29th, 2017 at 11am. Both will be at Wilson Family Funeral Home, Minneapolis, Kansas. For those who cannot attend, a celebration of life ceremony will occur at a later date in McPherson, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials or donations may be made to either the Via Christi Foundation for the 7 North Cancer Floor, specifically the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit; or toward the purchase of a memorial tree in an arboretum where loved ones can visit her. Memorials or donations may be sent in care of Wilson Family Funeral Home. Thank you to the staff at Via Christi for their compassionate care. Also a special thanks to those who have extended prayers and thoughts to the family during this period of mourning.
Marcia’s life was a testament to her faith in God. She is rejoicing and singing his praises. Marcia has become the family’s guardian angel.