Melva B. Schmidt Obituary

Melva B. Schmidt, 79, passed away suddenly at Mercy One Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa, Sunday, March 15, 2026.  She was born on May 3, 1946, in Chariton, Iowa to Charles and Lillian Harding.  Melva grew up in Chariton and graduated from Chariton High School in 1964. After high school, she attended Centerville Community College.

While working as a teller at Capitol City Bank in Des Moines, Melva met Gary L. Schmidt and they married on August 1, 1970. They lived in several places with many of their years in Carroll and then Ankeny, Iowa. While living in Ankeny, Melva proudly obtained her associate degree at Des Moines Area Community College. Melva enjoyed travel, music, bird watching and spending time with family. She and Gary actively volunteered many hours supporting candidates of the Democratic Party.  Melva was devoted to God and worshipped and actively participated in the Lutheran parishes near her homes.

Prior to her death, Melva was cared for at Regency Care Center in Norwalk and delighted in the daily visits from her loving husband Gary. Melva will be a cherished memory for her husband Gary of Norwalk, nephews, Craig Buckalew (Minn.), Steve Schmidt (IA), Dan Buckalew (MT), Larry Schmidt (AZ), John Nickel (OK), Ron Nickel (OK), Chuck Buckalew (WY), Martin Harding (KS), Steve Ulrichs (TX) and nieces, Lynn Schmidt Davis (IA) and Tori Harding Simmons (OK), Deanne Miller (MI), Jackie Barnes (CO), by her many friends and family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Melva is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Lillian Harding and her siblings are Martha Buckalew, Jean Nickel, Lloyd Harding and Wayne Schmidt.

Services for Melva will be held Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:30 PM, at New Life Lutheran Church in Norwalk, Iowa (4380 Wakonda Dr, Norwalk, IA 50211). Visitation one hour prior to services. Luncheon will be served after services. Melva’s remains will be placed in Chariton Cemetery in Chariton by the family, Monday, May 4 at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be left at www.fieldingfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity Church (517 SW Des Moines St, Ankeny, IA 50023) and New Life Lutheran Church.