Barbara Schmidt

Barbara “Babs” Lee Schmidt died January 7, 2004 at her home. She was born December 12, 1929 in Moberly, MO to Chester Royce Bousman and Sidney Odith Eubank Bousman. Her parents moved to Boonville, MO in 1930 when her dad “Chet” became the Projectionist at the famous Lyric Theater (the first opera house west of the Mississippi). Barbara graduated from Laura Speed Elliott High School in 1947. Following graduation, Barbara was a Telephone Operator for Southwestern Bell. In 1949 Barbara married Lawrence Joseph Stretz. Two children were born to this marriage; Stephanie Ann and Scott Paul, who both survive Barbara and four grandchildren, Shannon Marie Gunn, R.N., Brandi Lee Gunn, Bradley Allen Stretz and Jeremy Scott Stretz. In 1974 Barbara married Ralph O. Schmidt and four stepchildren and four step-grandchildren survive her; Machelle Collins and her son, Mark O. Schmidt and his son, Haydan, Jacqueline Stump and her two children, Madeline and Macie Stump and Heidi Schmidt. Barbara graduated from the Independence Hospital and Sanitarium, Independence, MO with a degree in Health Information in 1964. She was accredited the same year by the American Medical Records at Jackson County Public Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Kansas City before she became a Consultant for Long Term Care Facilities in MO, KS and OK. She also served as an Educator for the Kansas Health Care Assc. of Topeka, KS. Barbara was an avid Geneologist belonging to the Colonial Dames of America, Daughters of the American Revolution and the “Clairborne Clan”. Barbara and her husband, Ralp traved for some years before finally settling in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. She returned to Kansas City and the home of her daughter, Stephanie Ann Gunn in September of 2003 during her illness. Visitation will be held at Heartland Cremation & Burial Society on Sunday, January 11, 2004 from 6-8:00 pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be on Monday, January 12 at St. Sabina Catholic Church, Belton, MO at 11:00 am.