Shirley M. Schmidt, age 83 of Batesville, passed away after a brief illness on July 5, 2016. She was born July 13, 1932 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ida (Nee: Spencer) and Raymond Dahl. She was the devoted wife of Richard Schmidt who preceded her in death January of 2010.
She is the mother of Susan Ratcliffe of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Shelly (David) Wallpe of Cincinnati, Ohio, Peter (Susan) Schmidt of Mishawaka, Indiana; grandmother of Samantha, Allyson, Jacob and Joshua Schmidt and Leland Ratcliffe, and sister of Connie Baker of McKinney, Texas. In addition to her husband and parents, she is also preceded in death by her brother Jerry Dahl and son-in-law Don Ratcliffe.
Shirley graduated from the Columbia School of Nursing in Milwaukee in 1954 and spent her 50 year professional career as a nurse and caregiver. She counted those in her graduating class among her closest lifelong friends. She served as an emergency room nurse for many years. Upon moving to Batesville in 1970, she worked as a nursing supervisor, nursing home administrator and a Medicare auditor. A member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Shirley was very creative, enjoying decorative painting, making hook wool rugs and collecting antiques. Shirley wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Columbia College of Nursing, 4425 North Port Washington Road, Glendale, Wisconsin, 53212 to the attention of the President. Weigel Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.