Elizabeth Ellis Schmidt

Elizabeth Ellis Schmidt, 90, of Salt Lake City, died peacefully at home Saturday, May 26, 2012. She was the beloved wife of Theodore G. Schmidt, Jr.

Elizabeth was born July 9, 1921 in Ogden, Utah, the eldest child of Wallace H. and Gene Browning Ellis. Proud of her pioneer ancestry, she grew up in the midst of a close and loving extended family. She was in the first graduating class of the new Ogden High in 1939, and attended the University of Utah for two years.

Elizabeth married Albert J. Bates in 1943, and they had a daughter, Betsy. Al was killed in France in 1944 while serving in the Army during World War II. Elizabeth and Betsy returned to live with her parents in Ogden; she eventually was set up on a blind date with Ted Schmidt, who was home on leave visiting his own parents. He immediately renamed her "Liz," which is how all friends subsequently knew her. Ted and Elizabeth were married February 24, 1952 in Ogden, and began an adventure that lasted over 60 years.

Ted and Elizabeth lived in the East while he served in the Army; then they continued moving around the country as Ted pursued his career with JC Penney. Their son, Theodore G. Schmidt III (Ted) was born in Ogden; another daughter, Sandefur, was born in Seattle. Elizabeth was adept at establishing a new home for her family very quickly, and honed that skill as they moved frequently during the first half of their marriage. Ted retired from Penney''s while in Diablo, California, and Elizabeth worked with him for a while in his gift and luggage stores. They lived in Diablo almost 30 years, making many strong friendships. She and Ted began a decades-long love of travel while they lived in Japan, and saw much of the world together. They moved to Salt Lake City in 2006, where Elizabeth delighted in being back in the middle of so much family.

Elizabeth was a very strong woman with firm convictions, yet she had a lively sense of humor. She was a devoted wife and loving mother, and was thrilled when grandsons entered her life. She read voraciously all of her life, and passed along this love to her children. She loved drama and music, and attended orchestra, opera and ballet performances frequently. Her faith, tenacious will to live, and her husband''s loving care sustained her through nearly 10 years of dialysis.

Elizabeth was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; that and her family were the most important parts of her life. By the time Elizabeth was born, it was an established and cherished family tradition to spend the summer at Bear Lake. She continued to spend a good part of every summer in Fish Haven, Idaho for the rest of her life, sharing this love with her children and grandchildren. She loved watching the lake change colors; but it was the "Bear Lake family" that really made it wonderful. As her health declined in recent years, she still relished her time at the lake, and the chances she had there to visit with extended family and tell stories of the old days.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Ted; three children: Betsy Dam of Poway, CA; Ted Schmidt (Linda) of Cody, WY; Sandefur Schmidt of Provo, UT; two grandsons: Gregory Dam (Diana) of Dallas, TX, Eric Lavran (Charlynn) of Irvine, CA; brother, Hague Ellis (Sue) of Salt Lake City; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; grandson, Stephen Dam; brother, Matthew B. Ellis; and sister, Ginger E. Wallace.

A graveside service will be held at the Ben Lomond Cemetery, 526 East 2850 North, North Ogden at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 2. A memorial reception commemorating Elizabeth''s life will be held at the Salt Lake Country Club from 2-4 p.m. that same day. Please wear the bright colors Elizabeth loved so much! In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in Elizabeth''s name.

Arrangements entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary.