Arvilla M. Schumacher, age 94 of Batesville, died Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at St. Andrew’s Health Campus. Born October 29, 1922 in Franklin County Indiana, she is the daughter of Mary (Nee: Fasbinder) and Chester Stevens. She married Edward (John) Schumacher May 18, 1942 in St. Joseph, Missouri and he preceded her in death July 27, 2012.
Family was very important to Arvilla. She loved nothing better than to be surrounded with family. Her daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, it didn’t matter. She was usually content to sit back and listen to the banter back and forth. Part of the silent generation and also part of what Tom Brokaw called the greatest generation, her daughters marveled at their mom’s patience, strength and unconditional love. With John temporary stationed at St. Joe Missouri during World War II, she went to work in a garment factory to help do her part to support the war effort. When John was shipped out, she moved back to the Batesville, pregnant with their first child. Victoria was nine months old before John first saw her. The girls mentioned that although mom wasn’t a seamstress, she did make clothing for them when they were younger and also indicated she was an excellent cook and baker. It was common to come home to the aroma of baked bread, rolls or a sweet treat. Saturday’s were affectionately known as “soup day” and her homemade chicken soup was tough to beat. Trips to Las Vegas or to Florida to see family were always something she looked forward to and for relaxation, she liked watching Oprah, Ellen and Dr. Phil.
Arvilla is survived by daughters Victoria Creeger of Batesville, Sherry Ertel of Sunman, Kris Lindemann, Kim Oblinger and Mary Jon McCaig, all of Batesville, Amy Gallo of Indianapolis; sisters Vera Michalowicz, Rita Holman, Betty Lamping; brother Eugene Andrews; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by sisters Alice Meyer, Charlene Bushman, Jeanne Haas and brother Gerald Stevens.
Visitation is Saturday, February 18th, from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home. Funeral services follow at 11:30 a.m. at St. Louis Church with Rev. Stan Pondo officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family requests memorials to the Margaret Mary Health Foundation Hospice.