Nelda was born October 25, 1929, near The Grove in Coryell County to the late Benjamin Roger and Zona Agnes (Hiser) McDonald. She was a 1947 graduate of Moody High School. On January 21, 1950, she married W. Arvell Schmidt. They spent 53 years together before he preceded her in death July 28, 2003. Upon their marriage, Nelda and Arvell moved to their farm in northwest Bell County. Together, she and Arvell farmed in Bell, Coryell and McLennan counties, and raised Angus cattle.
Nelda loved her role as wife, mother, and partner in their farming and ranching efforts, as well as supporting the many school, sports and 4H activities of her four children. She was rarely sitting down, either tending to her vegetable garden, keeping the lawn and flower beds neat and tidy, or baking something for friends and family. She was an avid reader, enjoyed puzzles, and playing 42 or 84 with neighbors. She was a member of Moody-Leon United Methodist Church where she played piano and taught Vacation Bible School. Nelda also loved to sing and had a wonderful voice. She and her brothers and sisters often sang gospel songs on weekend gatherings at The Grove when they were young.
In addition to her husband, preceding her in death are her daughter, Lana Sue Frantz; a grandson, Justin Lee Schmidt; brothers J. W. McDonald and Fred McDonald; and sisters Jesse Keltner and Ina Talbert.
Survivors include sons Gary Schmidt and wife Sharon, of Troy, Tx; David Schmidt and wife Debbie, of Moody, Tx; daughter Lu Ann Popelka, of Troy, Tx; six grandchildren: Amanda Frantz of Temple, Tx; Ashley Schmidt of Round Rock, Tx; Matthew Schmidt and wife Andrea of Troy, Tx; Jessica Schmidt and husband Jon Caraballo of Lorena, Tx; Jillian Schmidt, of Waco, TX; Kaitlin Popelka and husband Keith Wallace of Troy; and four great-grandchildren: Delilah Schmidt; Marcos Schmidt; Ellie Wallace; and Rex Schmidt. She is also survived by her sister Gertrude “Mac” Shaver of Belton, Tx and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Visitation will be at Moody-Leon Methodist Church in Moody, TX on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 10:00 am, followed by a service at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Moody-Leon Cemetery immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Moody-Leon Methodist Church or Moody-Leon Cemetery Association.
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