Surrounded lovingly by family, Lois Schmidt, 90, of Quarryville PA. went to be with the Lord on August 30, 2025.

A woman of deep faith, quick wit and a generous heart, she lived boldly - with strength in her soul and fire in her spirit.

She was the wife of Raymond S. Schmidt.

Lois was born Lois Lorraine Kurtz in Bethlehem PA. on September 19, 1934 to Herman and Irene Kurtz and welcomed home by her brother Robert.

Raised in Philadelphia, she attended many different schools, including secretarial school after high school.  Following her mothers remarriage to Charles Anderson, Lois adopted the name of Lois L Anderson.

In July of 1952 she married Roy David Riley, a navy sailor. They moved form Philadelphia to Rhode Island, Key West FL, Norfolk VA, and Albuquerque NM, building a family of six children along the way.

Lois brought her children to live in Oxford PA. in May of 1964.  She began a career as a licensed insurance sales representative for National Liberty Corp., in Fraser PA.   Believing in her product, Lois was a natural, she earned numerous rewards in this role.

In February of 1983, Lois married John H. Ware IV. Together they lived in Oxford PA where they welcomed not only family and friends, but assisted several foster children in finding their way through difficult periods.

In 1993, Lois moved to Nottingham PA. where she continued to serve as a member of the board of directors for West Chester Children and Youth and explored photography through a class at Cecil College.

In 1998, Lois reunited with a special childhood friend, Ray Schmidt, marrying in July 2001.  Together they traveled  in the south and south west states.  Lois and Raymond fulfilled her lifelong dream of designing and building the  home she had always envisioned in Quarryville, PA. Lovingly filled with items they found browsing many local shops and antique stores, over 22 years, they made it home. Lois and Ray were regular diners at the Quarryville Family Restaurant.

As an avid reader, Lois found joy not only in books but in the knowledge and insight they offered. She also enjoyed researching her families genealogy, collecting old photographs and passing down cherished stories to younger generations.

Lois will be remembered for her generosity, helping and encouraging many, many people over the years, even when she had little herself. Her deepest hope was that all of her loved ones would come to know  the Lord personally, welcoming Him into their hearts and daily lives.

She is survived by her husband; by her brother Robert Kurtz; by her six children;  L. Lorraine Riley, Quarryville PA., Theresa DeHoff (Tim) Bear DE., Barbara Waters (Gary) Cochranville PA., Pam Culberson (Brett) Kirkwood PA., Sylvia Justice (Will) Nottingham, PA., Lloyd Riley, Peach Bottom PA. & by her husbands children, Joe, Joanne and Mark. Lois was a true matriarch, grandmother of seventeen and the great- grandmother of twenty four. To them she was lovingly known as Mem.

As a loving wife, mother, grandmother and  friend, Lois touched countless lives and will be deeply missed - but her legacy of strength, faith and family will live on in every heart she shaped.