Verna Del Crawford was born June 21, 1948 in Duncan, OK to Monk and Marge Crawford. In her younger years, she loved to dance and also rodeoed with her father. At the age of twenty-four, she suffered a massive stroke and the doctors told her she would never walk or talk again. Being the strong-willed person, everyone knew her to be, she began rehabilitation. Verna and her daughter Kelly were moved to Caldwell where her parents and her sister Gayle lived so they could assist with her recovery.
She met Al Schmidt and in 1976 they were married and began their life on the farm where they resided until her death. During their forty-seven years of marriage, they farmed and ranched side by side and raised their daughter. Verna was very active in the community, church and several civic organizations. Her pride and joy were spending time with her daughter, granddaughter and great grandkids.
She is survived by her husband Al of the home, sister Gayle Struble of Caldwell, Daughter Kelly Smith (Doug) of Cave City AR., her granddaughter Maranda Johnson of Strawberry AR., four great grandchildren, her step mother Connie Crawford, two step sisters and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Verna passed in her home September 29th, 2023 surrounded by family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Monk & Marge Crawford, brother Mike Crawford, and step brother Mike Downum. Verna’s life has touched many and she will be greatly missed.
The time has past and looking back the rodeo has ended; the cowboys and fans have all gone home. The broken bones and pain have all mended but the memories of the cowgirl’s life will always live on.
Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2023; Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 2, 2023, both at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church with Fr. Mike Klagg presiding. Interment will follow at the Caldwell City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice or to St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church and sent in care of the mortuary.
