Violet R. Schmitz, 98, Celina, passed away April 4, 2014, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

She was born in Davenport, Iowa on Dec. 23, 1915, to Herbert and Kathryn Cook Hipsher. She married Augustin C. Schmitz, who preceded her in death in 1968.

Surviving are a daughter, Rose Ann "Rosie" Gray, Celina; two sisters, Mary Lou Hoening, West Milton, and Betty Heiby, Marco Island, Fla.; five grandchildren, Debra Vogel, Pamala Dwenger, Nancy Gray, Paul (Patsy) Gray and Mary (Jerry) Braun, all of Celina; 13 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. She was anxiously awaiting the birth of three more great-great-grandchildren.

Deceased are three sisters, Kathryn Stein, Lillian Jory and Barbara Snyder; four brothers, George Hipsher, Marvin "Jake" Parks, Bernard "Red" Parks, and Walter Parks; a son-in-law, Larry Gray; a grandson, Gerald Gray; a great-granddaughter, Chelsie Braun; and a step-mother, Burley Stoner Parks Hipsher.

She was a homemaker and had worked at the former Hartwig Poultry in Fort Recovery and Stemley Canning Company in Rossburg. She also worked on the family farm along with her husband. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, and had been a member of the Celina Women of the Moose. She enjoyed sending cards to friends and family for all occasions, enjoyed gardening and was meticulous about the care of her yard and home.

She never had a driver's license and was very independent. She was an avid walker and was known to walk all around town, often dressed in heels, to accomplish her errands. She was able to continue this independence until her mid-90s.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Celina, the Rev. Kenneth Alt officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul's Cemetery, Sharpsburg.

Calling is 3-7 p.m. Monday and 9:15-10:15 a.m. Tuesday at W.H. Dick and Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County Crippled Children/Adults Fund, the Cancer Association of Mercer County or the Immaculate Conception Endowment Fund.