Kathleen (Ferguson) Schmidt

Kathleen (Ferguson) Schmidt, affectionately known as "Kate" to her friends and family, passed away on June 16, 2024, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham, IL. Born on March 11, 1953, in Lawrenceville, IL, Kate's 71-year journey through life was one marked by love, intelligence, and a boundless curiosity for the world around her. Her formative years were spent in Flat Rock, where she attended Flat Rock Grade School before eventually graduating from Robinson High School.

Her life was filled with the joy of family. She was the beloved daughter of Charles Frederick "Fred" Ferguson and Irene (Powlowski) Ferguson, who both preceded her in death. Kate's heart first belonged to Walter F. Schmidt II, whom she married in 1982. Walt's untimely passing in 1987 left an indelible mark on her, yet her capacity for love remained undiminished. Fortune smiled upon Kate once again when she met Andy Miller in 1988. Their love blossomed, and together, they embarked on a new chapter, moving to California in the mid-90s, where adventures awaited. The outdoors was Kate's sanctuary, with fishing being a particular passion she shared with her father. Her love for horses was evident during her marriage to Walt, and though she might not have been as enthusiastic about gold-panning and camping as Andy and her brother Charlie, she found joy in sightseeing and exploring the parks out west.

Over the years, her homes were havens for over a hundred cats, with six cats and a dog being the latest members of her extended furry family. History was another of Kate's passions, and she immersed herself in its depths through an avid reading habit. Her personal library, an extensive collection ranging from historical volumes to romance novels and ebooks, was a testament to her love of learning. Kate even penned the story of her own life, leaving behind a narrative as rich and compelling as the history she so adored.

Never one to shy away from expressing her opinions, Kate's forthrightness was a hallmark of her character, as was her boundless love for her husband, Andy, and her daughter, Jennifer, who both survive her. Her memory will also be held dear by her stepchildren, Joel and Dawn; by her brothers & sisters-in-law, Donald & Julia Ferguson and Charles, Jr. & Louie Ferguson; by her aunt, Wilma Maxwell; and by several nieces and nephews.

As we bid farewell to Kate Schmidt, we honor a life well-lived, a story well-told, and a woman well-loved. Her legacy will continue to inspire and guide us, as we hold her memory close to our hearts, forever cherished and never forgotten.

A Catholic mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2nd, at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, with Father Dean Probst officiating. Her family requests that memorial contributions be made to both the "Crawford County Humane Society" (in honor of her love of cats) and to the "Jennifer K. Schmidt Special Needs Trust" (to care for her daughter). Memorial envelopes will be available at the church and at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with whom arrangements have been entrusted.