Marietta Victoria (Schmidt) Bailey, of Paw Paw, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023, at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. She was born Dec. 11, 1946, in Saarbrucken, Germany, the daughter of the late Robert Schmidt and Irmgard Appel.
Marietta’s childhood was lived on the farm in Paw Paw with her grandparents, Stanley and Victoria Schmidt.
Marietta was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church, Paw Paw, and was known as the “Prayer Warrior”.
She was a dedicated and loving mother who enjoyed baking and decorating beautiful cakes for family and friends. She was also an excellent cook; her family and friends never left her home hungry.
Marietta is survived by her three sons, James Robert Neil Russell of Homer, Michigan, William G. Woods of Homer, and Lorren Leroy Woods, currently of Indiana. Also surviving are her three sisters, Diane (Frank) Schmidt-Hanchak of Gobles, Carol Ann Arenas of Plano, Texas, and Ellen (Jeff) Saltsman of Redlands, California; and an aunt, Jean Schmidt of Euless, Texas.
Her legacy is carried on through her 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many well-loved nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Kris Ann Russell James.
A memorial mass will be held Monday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. at Saint Jude Catholic Church, 3809 M-40 Highway, Gobles, with the Rev. Fr. Alan P. Jorgensen officiating. Marietta will be laid to rest at Saint Mary Cemetery, Paw Paw.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators.
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