Fay Schmitz

     Fay Schmitz, age 87, of Fowler, MI, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at The Maples of St. Johns.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock and Rev. Fr. Darrel Kempf presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 2-8 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 1:30 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI. Fay was born in Bengal Township, Michigan on October 7, 1938,she was the daughter of Herman Frank and Mira (Sims) Myers. On October 13, 1962, she married Richard Michael Schmitz. They were blessed with fifty-three years of marriage, prior to his passing on July 18, 2014.
     Fay and Richard owned and operated Schmitz Standard Service for over 30 years, and it continued to operate well into the 2nd generation for another 30 years. In their retirement, Fay and Richard loved to spend time with their grandchildren more than anything. Fay was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren - always attending concerts, sporting events, or picking them up from school.
     She was a lifelong member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and the Ladies Auxilary VFW Post #3733. Fay grew up as the sixth of thirteen children. From a young age, she learned that anyone who showed up at the dinner table ate—no one was considered a guest, only family. Being older in the pecking order, she naturally took on the role of caretaker, looking out for and helping her younger siblings. That instinct followed her throughout her life.
     Her door was always open, and there was always room for one more at the table. During the Blizzard of 1978, Richard brought home two stranded travelers, and Fay made sure they had a roof over their heads, a warm bed to sleep in, and food to eat until the roads were clear enough for them to continue on.
     Living across from the school, their home became a safe and welcoming stop for many kids—some came to use the phone, others to grab a snack before or after sports practice. Later, it became a cherished tradition for her grandchildren and their friends to gather on Mondays for dinner before religious education.
     She also made it a tradition to take her grandchildren school-supply shopping every year and Christmas ornament shopping as well—small rituals that became lasting memories. While Richard was often seen as the fun one, Fay was the steady presence behind the scenes, making sure everyone was fed and scraped knees were cleaned and bandaged.
     When her grandchildren asked who her favorite was, Fay always answered the same way: “Whichever one I’m with.” Fay didn’t just offer hospitality—she created a sense of belonging. Everyone who walked through her door felt cared for, fed, and welcomed as family.
     She is survived by her children: Dean (Cindy) Schmitz, of Fowler, MI; Chris (Julie Hutchinson) Schmitz, of Fowler, MI; Jimmy (Bev) Schmitz of Pewamo, MI; and Kathy Jo (Jeremy) Boak, of Fowler, MI; her siblings: Susie (Tom) Goerge, Mark (Eva Gross) Myers, Al Myers, and Ernie (Rosie) Myers; her grandchildren: Dylan Schmitz, Cassie Schmitz, Kaitlyn Schmitz, Holly (Steven) Ulmer, Brady Schmitz, Kelsey (Bryce) Hengesbach, Trevor Schmitz, Zachary Schmitz, Cameron (Madison) Schmitz, Savannah (Grant) Hengesbach, and Charlie (Sarah) Boak; great-grandchildren: Francis Hengesbach, Juliana Hengesbach, Eden Hengesbach, Simeon Hengesbach, Daisy Ulmer, Lucia Hengesbach, Veronica Hengesbach, and Peter Boak; her sister-in-law Maxine Myers; her brother-in-law Leon Thelen; many nieces and nephews; and her best friend Marie (Clem) Hufnagel. Fay was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Richard; her siblings: Norma (Perry) Claeys, Eloise Brown, Jack Myers, Richard Myers, Jerry (Nancy) Myers, Ray (Phyllis) Myers, Karen Myers, and Grace Thelen, her sisters-in-law: Linda and Arlene Myers; and best friend Janet (Ray) Armbrustmacher.
     The family would like to extend a special thank you to Jeff and Emily Wieber of the Maples at St. Johns and the extended care team for their genuine love and care for Fay. They do not just provide care, they do care. Words simply cannot express the gratitude they have for those that shared a special bond with Fay. The family would also like to thank the members of the Elara Care Team for their support.
     Memorials may be made to Wishes of the Family. Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes –Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.