Laura Mae Schneider was born December 22, 1925, in the family home of the late Gordon William and Etta Jane (Elliott) Lane, six miles NE of Collyer, KS, in rural Trego County. She passed away Saturday, April 9, 2011, in the Trego County Lemke Memorial Hospital at WaKeeney at the age of 85.


She attended Mount Pleasant Country School, graduated from Trego Community High School in 1944, and received her teaching certificate from Fort Hays. She taught in the Benisch and Riverside country schools in 1944 and 1945.


On January 6, 1946, Laura was united in marriage to Jacob James Schneider by the probate judge in WaKeeney. Together, they farmed thirteen miles south of WaKeeney. When they moved to WaKeeney in 1970, Laura began working in the food service program, first at Trego Community High School and then transferred to the WaKeeney Grade School and continued to work until retiring on June 1, 1985. Jake passed away August 30, 2000.


Laura was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, WELCA, a member of the Randall Reid VFW #3449 Auxiliary since 1957, a member of the American Legion Moore Post #197 Auxiliary, and a charter member of the Stitch & Cackle Club, and the Friendship Card Club.

Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the recipients of a handmade baby quilt, as she loved to crochet. Her spare time was spent reading, playing cards, gardening, and bird watching. Laura's home was always 'open' and was a favorite gathering place for family, friends, and any other acquaintances that may have had the notion to 'drop in'. For family dinners, Grandma Laura was always reminded to bring her famous angel food and cherry cheesecakes.


Those left to treasure her memory are her children, Jim Schneider, Dave Schneider and wife, Sandy, Betty Schreiner and husband, John, Beth Billinger and husband, Glennis, all of WaKeeney, and Bill Schneider and wife, Joyce, of Collyer; eleven grandchildren, Jolene Schneider, Connie Kovacs and husband, Richard, Terri Schneider, April Goble and husband, Tony, Monte Schneider and wife, Lisa, Tina Hickson and husband, Jason, Sherri Reishus and husband, Matt, Chris Billinger, Lauren Billinger, Jordan Schneider, and Jessica Schneider; twenty great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Kittie Kerr and Pearl Stoppel, both of Colorado Springs, CO; and numerous nieces and nephews.


Her husband, Jake; two infant brothers; two sisters, Bessie Hobbs and Jessie Schneider; and a great-great-grandson, Gregory Avalos, preceded her in death.

Visitation for Laura will be Thursday, April 14, 2011 6-8 PM at Schmitt Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be 10:00 AM Friday, April 15th in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, all in WaKeeney. Interment is in the WaKeeney City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N 12th, WaKeeney, KS 67672.