Leona M. (Axtman) Schmidt, the daughter of John J. and Magdalena (Wolf) Axtman was born on March 14, 1929 in Rugby, North Dakota.  She died at the age of 85 years on Sunday, March 30, 2014 in her home surrounded by her family.

Leona was raised in the home of her parents and received her education in the Balta School.  On November 4, 1948, she was united in marriage to Phillip Schmidt at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Balta.  Following their marriage the couple made their home in Rugby, where they raised their eight children.  A loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker.  She also worked for Good Samaritan Hospital as Director of Housekeeping until her retirement.  Phillip died September 2, 2005.  She was a member of the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby and the Confraternity of Christian Mothers.  Leona enjoyed membership in the Rugby Senior Citizens and the Eagles Auxiliary.  She loved being with her family.  She enjoyed bingo, playing cards with her friends and very much enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and Reno with her sons and their families.

Leona is survived by her children, Gordon (Betty) of Maricope, AZ, Karen (Ron) Schneider of Rugby, Yvonne Trottier of Devils Lake, Bryant (Peggy) of Minot, Brenda Gronos of Minot, Phillip (Kathy) of Gilbert, AZ, Lori (Wayne) Wentz of rural Rugby, and Gary (Cynthia) of Reno, NV; 29 grandchildren; 39 great grandchildren; brothers, Ray (Adeline) Axtman of Great Falls, MT and John (Lorraine) Axtman of Rugby; sister, Helen (Richard) Hammers of Great Falls, MT; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her husband; sisters, Bertha Hirst and Regina Schneider; brothers, Mike, Leonard and Albert Axtman; son-in-law, Tim Trottier, Sr.; grandson-in-law, Monte Hoffner; and her parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Little Flower Catholic Church, Rugby with spring burial in the church cemetery.  Father Tom Graner, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday and from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Rugby. There will be no Reviewal in the church.

Rosary & Vigil Prayers will begin at 7:00 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home.