Patricia Jean (Barger) Schmidt

Patricia Jean Schmidt died peacefully November 20, 2022 at Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, OH.

An extraordinary woman with many names: She was born Patricia Jean Barger in McComb, OH, July 1, 1928 to Wallace C. Barger and Mary Ann (Ridge) Barger. She was “Pat” to her father, mother, sister, and brothers, Joan (Barger) Ernst, William Barger, James Barger, and also “Pat” to her husband of 43 years, Harold J. Schmidt.  She was “Mom” to her children, Jennie Cobb (Ken), Cindy Smith (LeEddie), Dennis Schmidt (Marcia), Doug Schmidt (Gwen), Patrick Schmidt (Carolyn). She was “Granny” to the grands, Leah Miller (Todd), Rachel Vincent (Jonathan), Adrienne Mormino (Brian), Josh Smith (Keely), Corey Schmidt (Missy), Jill Frantz, Jacob Schmidt (Nikki), Mike Schmidt (Galia), Zac Schmidt (Jessica), Heather Schmidt (Kyle). She was “Granny the Great” or “GG”” to the great-grands, Ryan, Chelsea, Max, Sam, Tess, Hunter, Wyatt, Kierra, Brooklyn, Riley, Mav, Lily, Jackson, Alex, Audrey, Eli, Malachi, Sean, Leo and Oliver. “Bossy Barger” to bandmates in high school. “P.J.” to her customers. “Red” and “Patti Pie” to a special friend, Phil. “Clean Jean”, “Patricia Jean”, “Friend”.

She loved greatly and was greatly loved. She lived to follow Jesus and love others.

In her own words when asked, “What do you want to say to your children and grandchildren?

Pat: Oh, I’ve had such a good life, I’ve just had such a good life. When I think…I know that because I have believed in the Savior, who first believed in me. He has been a constant companion, and He’s not somebody that I’m only going to meet when I die. He’s somebody that’s living within me now. It helps my conscience. It gives me hope. It gives me love. And so the only thing I wanted to do with my grandchildren was to be sure that they had that same kind of love. And, I think I raised my kids good enough that they knew it first, and then they passed it on also. So, we’re just, I’ve just, I’ve had a great life. I can’t complain. My career goals were all met. Besides being a mother, I was a hairdresser and had a small shop in our house at first, and then graduated to a big house, and then had the first [day spa in Findlay] where people could come in and get massages, and manicures, and pedicures, and their hair done. And then we also had a little food thing for them. And they got a rose when they left and that was a, that was a big thing; I felt like I had arrived. But I also thought I arrived when I bought my first bucket that I mopped the floor with at the same time I was arriving.

Additionally, “We’ve talked about family. If you just had a general message out to the world, what would you like to say?”

Pat: Be thoughtful. Be kind. Be loving. Check your anger.

“Is there anything else you want to talk about?”

Pat: Yeah, breakfast!

Pat was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Owner of The Doll House and P.J.’s salons. Maker of great peach-apple pies. Thank you to all the individuals at the Judson-Palmer Home who tenderly cared for and loved on “Miss Pat”. Much appreciation to the Bridge Hospice team. 

Pat has donated her body to research at University of Toledo Medical Center. A celebration of life will be held on a future day and will be announced. In lieu of flowers or donations, the family requests that you, “Be thoughtful. Be kind. Be loving. Check your anger.” 

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.kirkpatrickbehnke.com

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