Rita Schmidt of Hewitt

The Mass of Christian Burial for Rita Schmidt of Hewitt will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014, at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Bertha, with Father Peter VanderWeyst as celebrant. Friends may call on Thursday at the Domian-Anderson Chapel in Bertha from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with Prayers at 6:00 and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will resume at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Surrounded by her family, Rita passed away at the age of 62, on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at her home in Oak Valley Township, Otter Tail County, MN.
 
Rita was born to Raymond and Esther (Schwebach) Ollendick on September 29, 1951 in Benson, MN, and was raised in Tara Township, Swift County. Rita attended District #20 Country School, Clontarf Public School and graduated with the Benson High School Class of 1969. Rita was united in marriage with Clarence “Clyde” Schmidt on June 10, 1983, and they moved to the Hewitt area where she lived for 31 years. Rita was an avid horse lover and cared for all animals, which brought her to be a member of PAWS. She was a collector of the most unique items. If it was wanted she could find it; an absolute garage sale artist! She loved music and enjoyed attending concerts. Over the years, Rita worked as an administrative assistant, in insurance sales, and as a non-specialized transportation driver for Medi-Van and Peoples Express. People in the area may remember her, also, as a school bus driver and rural mail carrier.
 
Rita was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Esther; brother Pete Ollendick; and sister Lucy Gorres
 
She is survived by her devoted husband Clyde; step-daughter Samantha Peterson of Wadena; step-grandchildren Kassandra and Kayla Peterson; and sister Annie (Jim) Schirmer of Clontarf.
 
Honorary pallbearers will be her many nieces and nephews.
 
Burial will be held at a later date at St. Malachy Catholic Cemetery in Clontarf, MN.
 
Arrangements are with the Domian-Anderson Chapel in Bertha.