Orrene Schumacker

Orrene Schumacker, 65, of Stilwell, KS passed away on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and is survived by her husband of 45 years, Fred, daughter, Christina, son-in- law, Jeff and grandson, Griffin. I would like to share with you the story of my mother's life. My mother was a very unique, simple person. She was a small woman, towering at only 4 feet 6 inches and a size 4 shoe. At a young age, she was diagnosed with Rickets, which in our country is unheard of. As a result, she went through her entire life with physical pain, enduring orthopedic surgery after surgery. But this NEVER slowed her down! Mom was never afraid to push herself or be one to complain, exuding great strength and courage, all the while, making those around her stronger. She was known to many as "Big O" or "Flash" and was always on the go! She enjoyed "antiquing" with Dad, "bumming" with her friends, and most of all playing and reading to Griffin. To him, she was known as "Grandma Shoe" and she thought the world of him! To quote one of her dearest friends, "if you think about all the cards you've ever read about the goodness of someone, their generosity or strength of spirit, you would still not have begun to describe Orrene. She was a little woman-less than 5 feet tall, but inside, in her heart, she was a giant." My mother touched so many people's lives and made them feel special. She talked to everyone she came in contact with and had a knack for remembering all about them. Even after recovering from yet another surgery, she would bake her famous "fudge cups" to take to a nursing home or cook dinner for a sick friend. She always put others before herself. She believed in the goodness in each of us. I love you Mom.

Memorial donations may be made to her favorite children's charity: "Victory Junction Gang Camp" at 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317 or at www.victory junction.org. My mother had a passion for springtime and gardening, therefore a "Celebration of Life" will be held in her honor at a later date yet to be determined. (Arrangements: D.W. Newcomer's Johnson County Chapel, 913-451- 1860)