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SCHMIDT -- Wilma Lucille Benjamin, (1909-2009) celebrated her 100th birthday on February 2, 2009 and died peacefully on February 3, 2009. She was the 10th daughter of 12 siblings born to Welsh parents who immigrated in 1895 with three small children to homestead in Nance County, Nebraska, an area previously settled by the Pawnees. She attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and graduated with an education degree in 1930. Her teaching career spanned some 40 years, she taught thousands of Nebraska youth Latin, Spanish and Social Studies (as well as self-discipline, respect, and following the golden rule). She was surprised when in 1967 the National Education Association honored her as a lifetime member after one of her classes performed the play, "No Puedo Comer La Sopa". She married the love of her life, Victor Hugo Schmidt, in 1935 . Victor served in the Pacific during World War II. Post-war they settled in Papillion, Nebraska where their family of 2 daughters grew up. Victor practiced law and then had a distinguished career serving as a Nebraska State District judge. He died in 1972. Wilma or as her many friends called her, "Billy" or "Bill" shared with Victor all the many interests and hobbies that he had, like great cooking using the freshest home garden produce and canning, but she had her eye on labor saving devices like the first automatic dishwasher. On bridge night her kids tested out the first frozen tv dinners. She loved to dance, she loved a good sale, and loved being able to trade clothes with her many sisters. She wore high heels to clean the house! She took her daughters on the train from Nebraska to go to Disneyland the 3rd day it was open in 1955-our Southern California relatives had never heard of it nor had the taxi driver! She was nicknamed the Energizer Bunny at age 99! Wilma became a grandmother at age 75, then soon moved to Albuquerque so she could enjoy watching her grandsons grow up. She really loved living in New Mexico for the past 25 years, was a member of the Albuquerque Women's Club and made friends wherever she went. Wilma is survived by the youngest of her ten sisters, Eloise Kerl of San Juan de Capistrano, California. Wilma along with her sister, Sarah Posey, lived to be over 100 years old. Wilma is also survived by: Ann Makepeace Stern and her husband Carl Stern , Amy Schmidt and her husband Herb Benedick, step-granddaughters Kelsey Benedick and Jillian Benedick all of Albuquerque. Grandsons Evan Schmidt Chase of Shanghai, China and Tyler Schmidt Chase of Tucson, Arizona both traveled to honor her at her 100th birthday celebration and they will carry her tenacity in their hearts always. She leaves behind nieces and nephews and their kids who all enjoyed Aunt Billie. Wilma's family wants to extend sincere thanks to all the loving care she received at Senior Care, Academy Heights Assisted Living and also the staff of Vista Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial chosen is the Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, Nebraska 68410. Her 100th birthday party served as the tribute to her life. Her grandson Tyler created a slideshow that can be viewed on YouTube (search Wilma Schmidt).
        Published on: Sun February 08, 2009