Mary Lu Schmitt, 92, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020 of
natural causes.

Mary Lu was born January 6, 1928, in Niagara Falls, New York to John and Anne Russ.
A registered nurse by profession, she dedicated her life to her late husband and to raising her
family of eight children. She was a woman of faith and member of St. Brigid Catholic Parish for
over 60 years. Attending all of her children's sporting events was a priority. Family vacations to
the ocean were among her fondest memories.

Mary Lu was an avid bridge player, a nature lover, and regular walker on Greene
County's bike trails. She liked to work jigsaw puzzles and crossword puzzles and was a loyal
Cincinnati Reds fan. Needlework was her hobby; hook rugs, cross stitch, and her favorite
knitting. Her beautiful afghans can be found in the bedrooms, living rooms, and nurseries of all
her loved ones.

Mary Lu's volunteer work included visiting and rocking babies in the intensive care unit
at Dayton Children's Medical Center, knitting and donating dish cloths to St Brigid Bazaar, and
with her husband Gene, visiting residents in multiple nursing homes in the Greene County area.

Recently preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Dr. Gene Schmitt, whom she
married April 15, 1950. Survived by eight children: Martha Schmitt (Beavercreek, OH), Mark
Schmitt (Xenia, OH), Dr. Chris Schmitt (Cloverdale, OR), Eric Schmitt (El Dorado Hills, CA),
Amy Schmitt (Beavercreek, OH), Mary Beth (Schmitt) Brandeau (Papillion, NE), Damian
Schmitt (Kelseyville, CA), Suzanne Schmitt (Temuco, Chile); numerous grandchildren and
great-grandchildren, brothers Larry Russ, Bill (Barbara) Russ, Anne Russ Jeffords; and many
nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Anne Russ, brothers
Jack Russ, Paul Russ, and Jimmy Russ.

Mary Lu will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Private graveside
services will be held by the family in St. Brigid Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may
be made to the Xenia FISH Food Pantry, 774 Cincinnati Ave., Xenia, OH, 45385, in her
memory. Condolences may be made to the family at www.NeeldFuneralHome.com .

To view a dvd of Mary Lu's life go to:

https://plus.smilebox.com/play?g=c90f8cce-a704-40f4-98a5-b810e1abcd73&sbid=3466