Velma Rebecca (Heinzeroth) Schmidt, 92, of Mendota, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born August 16, 1933, in Mendota to Leroy and Mabel (Earich) Heinzeroth. She married Donald O. Schmidt on June 27, 1954, at Zion Evangelical Church in Mendota. They were married for 64 years before Don's passing on December 24, 2018.

Velma lived on a farm in Compton, where she raised her three daughters. She helped on the farm until 1968 when she went to work for Hart Carter in Mendota. The family moved to Mendota in 1970 and Velma retired in 1995 after 27 years. She enjoyed and loved her grandchildren. She loved watching them grow, going to sporting events, and she was very excited to be a grandma, to say the least. Velma enjoyed traveling, especial her trip to Las Vegas for her and Don's 50th anniversary with their 3 daughters and their husbands. She also enjoyed trips with Don to Florida for their 25th anniversary, Branson, Niagara Falls, and Tennessee. Her hobbies included crocheting afghans and embroidering baby quilts for all her grandchildren when they were born. After the loss of her husband, Velma started diamond painting. She loved her flowers and being outside in the yard.

Velma is survived by three daughters, Nancy (Dave) Walzer, Karen (Donald) Sterchi, and Rebecca Sarver; grandchildren, Tera (Brad) Martin, Trisha (Ken) Walzer, Tiffany (Bobby) Martinez, Daniel (Tania) Walzer, Andrew (Lindsey) Walzer, Brian Walzer, Christopher (Samantha) Sarver, and Chad (Brittney) Sarver; great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn (Alex) Sutterfield, Brooklynn Martin, Collin, Chloe, and Carson Walzer, Ella, Anna, and Reid Walzer, Madison (Tyler) Smith, Kyle, Ethan, and Taryn Sarver; a great-great grandchild, Wyatt Smith; brother, Keith (Vina) Heinzeroth; and many nieces and nephews.

Velma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; sisters, Dorothy Hunter, Pearl Pfeifer, Ruth Musser, Joyce Spanier, and Katherine Funfsinn; brothers, Donald, Richard, and Wayne Heinzeroth; a grandson, Timothy Walzer; and son-in-law, Dan Sarver.

Visitation will be from 5-7 P.M. Friday, April 17, 2026, at Horner-Merritt Funeral Home, 800 Monroe Street, in Mendota.

The funeral service will be at 11 A.M. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 398 Church Road, in Compton with Pastor Mike Slutz officiating. Interment will follow in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Contributions in Velma's name may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Compton. Please visit www.horner-merritt.com to sign the online guest book.