Barbara A. Schmidt

Barbara Ann Schmidt, 67, peacefully passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home in McPherson, KS. 

She was born March 16, 1957, in Deshler, NE, the daughter of Marvin Henry and Helen Dorothy (Mesloh) Schmidt. Barbara graduated valedictorian from Deshler High School and attended University of Nebraska in Lincoln, NE. In May of 1976, she was united in marriage to Gary R. Tiedgen in Friedensau, NE. This union was blessed with two children, Jeremy and Sara.

Barbara was an accountant for McPherson Business Solutions. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, McPherson.

Barbara had a strong faith in the Lord and led her family in knowing His grace.

Barbara always had so much love to give. In addition to sharing it with her family and friends, she always surrounded herself with living things. Her pets were part of the family, and she caringly tended her plants and gardens. In recent years, some of her favorite moments were spent in her sun room beside her cat Lily watching the birds and squirrels eat up the food she had put out. 

Barbara was an athlete her whole life. She still holds the record at Deshler High in the 50 yard dash. She played softball for the town of Deshler and with the church team, always frustrating the other team by beating the throw to first.

Barbara loved music. She sang and played flute for the church choir.

Through her career, Barbara was smart, hard-working, and energetic. The combination made her a valued part of each company. At every stop, her dependability earned her respect. She was always able to find good people and help them grow.

Barbara was first diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis in 2017. Despite the dramatic impact to her self-identity and independence, Barbara never complained or showed anything but a resolve to make the best of it. Even in illness, she taught her family what it was to be strong. When the weather was nice, she could be seen in her power chair zipping off to church, the park, or around the Village at the Cedars. Part of Schmidt family culture is to play cards, and you'd often find her engaged in a game with her dad and other Cedars residents during their regular Tuesday and Thursday meet-ups.

Survivors include her children, Jeremy (Marci) Tiedgen of North Ogden, UT and Sara (Conrad) Silvio of Hutchinson, KS; parents, Marvin & Helen Schmidt of McPherson, KS; siblings, Susan Shoaf of Centennial, CO, Lowell (Jean) Schmidt of McPherson, KS, Janet (John) Hoener of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Anita Mease of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Gabriel and Amara Tiedgen and Naomi Silvio; step-grandsons, Seth and Anthony Silvio; special friend, C.W. Reiman of McPherson, KS; dedicated caregiver, Lexus Sinclair; and many extended family members, friends, and caregivers.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Tim Schmidt, and brothers-in-law, Chet Shoaf and Jamie Mease.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Dale Dumperth officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until service time Thursday morning at the church. Burial will follow the service at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Memorial donations can be made to National Multiple Sclerosis Society in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.