Denise Schmidt

After spending only a few moments with Denise Schmidt, it was easy to see how others were just naturally drawn to her as she had a certain sparkle and a zest for life that were completely contagious. She lived to love, nurture, and care for people as others always came first. A more devoted mother would be hard to find, yet Denise just may have argued that nothing was sweeter than becoming a grandmother to the most amazing grandson who was the light of her life. She was genuine and approachable, and with an ear that was always ready to listen she was there to help with the concerns of others whenever she was needed. Life will never be the same without Denise here, but the legacy she leaves behind will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

It seems only fitting that Denise’s journey began during a time that was as vibrant and colorful as she was. It was the 1950s when poodle skirts and coonskin hats were all the rage while blue jeans became part of our wardrobes. James Dean dominated the silver screen, and Elvis took the music world by storm when he introduced the world to rock ’n roll. It was in 1955 that Everette and Patricia (Way) Schmidt were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as fall appeared on the horizon in Otsego, Michigan. The big day finally arrived when the baby girl they named Denise drew her first breath on September 23rd in nearby Kalamazoo. She was one of six children in her family and was raised alongside her siblings, Bridget, Rick, Randy, Jody, and Marcie.

In many ways, Denise was a young girl of her generation. To support their bustling family, her father worked for GM while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Denise was a student at local schools who went on to graduate from Otsego High School in 1973. Shortly thereafter, she began working at William Crisp House and also had several other jobs.

Life was forever changed for Denise when she met a young man named Eddie Cobble. They began dating, and on April 15, 1978 they were united in marriage. Together they were blessed with the births of two children, Danielle and Kelly. There were also plenty of dogs around who were like additional members of their family. Although they lived in Plainwell, the kids attended school in Otsego. When her youngest was three, Denise started working at Perrigo for the 26 years that followed, however, caring for her family was always first and foremost. They loved taking family vacations with trips to Mackinac Island, Florida, and Disney World being among their favorites. In addition to caring for her own children, Denise was like a second mother to many of her children’s friends or anyone else in need of some tender loving care. Although she and Eddie divorced in 2007, she was forever grateful for the children they shared.

Throughout her life Denise was one to keep busy, and she was a woman of many interests. She liked reading and listening to audio books, and although she never used them, she collected cookbooks. With her own creative flair, Denise liked knitting and doing crafts. Playing matchmaker whenever she could kept her busy, and she never could resist looking for the next great bargain on QVC. When her grandson was born, she couldn’t have been happier. He was Denise’s greatest source of pride and joy, and she spent every moment with him that she could. Even after being diagnosed with cancer in 2014, Denise lived her life to the fullest while holding her loved ones near.

All who knew Denise Schmidt would agree that she had a huge heart. She was always willing to help others with their problems while not burdening people with her concerns. Denise was an amazing mother who was there to support her daughters in all their crazy decisions and hobbies as they were forever covered in her unconditional love. With a contagious smile and fun-loving zest for life, she drew others near with ease. Denise will never be forgotten.

Denise Schmidt, of Plainwell, died on September 12, 2015, at her family home. Denise’s family includes her children: Danielle Cobble and Kelly Cobble; mother: Patricia; siblings: Bridget (Kevin) Rex, Rick (Joyce) Schmidt, Randy (Cheryl) Schmidt, Jody (Steve) Cobble, Marcie (Rudy) Torres; 1 grandchild Owen Gauthier as well as several nieces and nephews. Denise was preceded in death by her son, Mike Lindsey, and her father, Everette. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Thursday, Sept. 17 from 1:00-2:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Denise’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or Cancer Treatment Centers of America.