Florence L Schmautz

Florence Schmautz, 92, of Kalispell, passed away at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 20. She was born July 13, 1927, in Miles City, MT, daughter of Fred and Emma Steinert. She attended school in a one-room country school where some years she and her brother, Arnold (Bud), were the only students. She often reminded her children that she walked 3 miles one way to school each day, in the snow, uphill both directions. Florence attended two years high school in Miles City, living with her brother Bud until he graduated. She then moved to Missoula to live with her older sister, Esther, and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1944.

On Sept 21, 1947, she was married to Harry Schmautz in Missoula. She was preceded in death by Harry, her husband of 41 years. She is survived by one son, Alan Schmautz of Kalispell, daughters Dawn Milliner of Rollins, Tamara Schmautz of Seattle, Kandace Roesler of Homer, AK, and Chandra Scott of Wyomissing, PA; seven grandsons, Will and Seth Schmautz, Brendan and Kelvin Milliner, Caleb, Christian and Calvin Scott, one granddaughter, Kadyn Paya; four great grandsons and two great granddaughters, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Florence was one of the first congregants of Central Bible Church after she and Harry moved to Kalispell in 1949. She remained active in the church in many capacities until she started living most of the year in Surprise, AZ after Harry’s death in 1989. Her faith was foundational throughout her life. She was one of the organizers of Christian Women’s Club in Kalispell. In 1975, she started publishing The Amerasian Reporter, a quarterly newsletter which highlighted and chronicled lives of Asian American adoptees and their families throughout the United States and Canada. After moving to Arizona, Florence was active in Grace Bible Church in Sun City and sang in the choir for many years. She loved the sunshine and warmth of Arizona, but always enjoyed returning to her home on Flathead Lake for the summer months.

Florence was an avid seamstress, sewing many outfits for her children through the years. She enjoyed flower arranging, pottery, knitting, and cross stitch. She was a strong, loving and giving woman who took joy in the accomplishments of her children and family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, February 29, at the Central Bible Church. Lunch and fellowship will follow in the gymnasium. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Holt International Children’s Services (http://holtinternational.org). Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.

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