Ida Sue Kerce Schmitt, Altrusa International Inc. of Starke, FL. June 17, 2005

Ida Sue, Ida Sue,
What will we do without you?

Ida Sue, Ida Sue,
To your calling you were true.

Never without a smile can I recall.
Always willing to answer a call.

As a dedicated Altrusan you shined.
Gentle in service. You were one of a kind.

May the legacy of your life always be
A shining example for all to see.

As your earthly journey comes to an end,
It will take time for our hearts to mend.

But you have earned your wings,
And can now set aside earthly things.

You are free to fly
As we sadly say goodbye.

When we see a butterfly passing by
We will smile with a twinkle in our eye.

For it might be a sign from you
Reminding us that you are now renewed!

God Bless you my friend until we meet again.


Your Altrusa Sister and friend,
Cindy Schad
May 25, 2005

 

From The Gainesville Sun, June 17, 2005

Ida Sue Kerce Schmitt of Starke died Thursday at Shands at Starke of natural causes. She was 60.

Mrs. Schmitt was born in Lake Butler and moved to Starke in 1964 from Palatka.

She was retired as office manager for Jones Funeral Home, where she worked for 37 years.

She had been a member of several organizations including the 4-H Foundation, North Florida Home Care, American Cancer Society and Families Against Drugs.

She was a Hospice volunteer for 16 years, current vice president of Altrusa International of Starke, the founder of Toys 4 Tykes and served as chairman of the Bradford High School Alumni Association for 11 years.

She was also involved with the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce, receiving the Citizen of the Year award for 1992-93. She also received the Revere Good Samaritan Award and the “Good 4 You” Award in 1995, the Star Award in 1997, and was named one of the Santa Fe Community College Women of Distinction in 1998. She was a member of the Church of God in Starke.

Survivors include daughters Kelli Jo Dyal of Starke and Shana R. Armijo of Lake City; a son, Hershell “Blame” Dyal of Starke; sisters Jeannette Abbott, Bennie Jo “BA.” Warwick, and Cosette Howard, all of Starke, Sharon A. Smith of Waldo and Mary Sue Hurst of Ocoee; brothers Donald W. Kerce of Welaka, Jerry Kerce of Atlanta, Cooterbob Kerce of Starke and Bobby Fulgham of Hampton; caregiver and friend Gail Coleman of Starke; and five grandchildren.

Arrangements by Jones Funeral Home in Starke.