Constance Gail Schmidt

Constance Gail (Van Pelt) Schmidt was born September 1 ^st , 1941 to HB & Mary (Hand) Van Pelt of Talala, OK. Connie was raised a lifelong resident of Talala. She was very proud of her family, home and community with many family and friends. She was in the last graduating class of the Talala High School where she enjoyed playing basketball. She also enjoyed working on her family ranch. After graduation, she met and married Carrol Holly Jr. in 1959. They had two children Chrystal and Clay Holly. Connie was her children’s biggest fans spending extensive time hauling her kids to equine activities or sitting at wrestling tournaments. She taught Sunday school, played the piano, sang in choir and was highly involved in the Talala Christian Church until her death. She owned and operated “Connie’s Beauty Shop” from her home for 14 years as her children grew up and after the 1977 death of her husband Carrol. Later she went to work at Heston Corporation then Ryder Truck as credit collections & vehicle/safety department. Connie and Gloria Newton met at Heston and became lifelong friends. She met and married Lowell “Spike” Schmidt and was married until his death. Together, they traveled, raised cattle and enjoyed their lives together to the fullest. She enjoyed her step-children Kathryn and George Schmidt. Connie worked for American Airlines until her retirement. She then focused on her traveling with her dear friend Gloria and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

For those who knew her, she was a fiercely independent woman before her time who never backed down from life’s adversities. Always showing strength, steadfastness, stability, and character as an example for her family and others. She deeply enjoyed her time with her grandchildren; Marshall and Jaymie Perkins, Holly Perkins Clare, Chase Perkins, Chazz Holly, Trevor and Layce Holly, Sierra Holly and Kaelin Holly and her Grandson in her heart, Matt Henke. Her Great Grandchildren; Bailey Perkins, Kross Perkins, Ty Holly, Kodie Jo Clare, Jax Clare and Weston Perkins.

She is survived by her children Chrystal Holly Brassfield, Clay and Sherri Holly of Talala, OK. Kathryn Savage of Oklahoma City and George Schmidt of Tulsa, OK.

She was preceded in death by her Parents HB Van Pelt Jr. and Mary Van Pelt, husbands Carrol Holly Jr. and Lowell “Spike” Schmidt, grandson Chazz Holly and brother HB Van Pelt III.