Patty Lyn (Lacy) Schmidt

Our hearts are broken as we mourn the loss of our beloved mother, wife and best friend, Patty Lyn (Lacy) Schmidt. Patty left us on May 9, 2018, in Grand Coulee, Washington, at the age of 78, surrounded by family.

Patty was born in Denison, Texas, on July 12, 1939, to Pat and Ruth Lacy. After a brief stint in Georgia, Pat and Ruth moved to Kennewick, Washington, in 1955, where Patty met the love of her life, Mervin Schmidt.

Patty and Merv were married on September 14, 1957. They lived in the Tri-Cities during their first year of marriage, where they welcomed their first child (Marc) on August 20, 1958.

In 1961, they moved from Kennewick to Spokane, where Merv started working for the Standard Oil Co. They welcomed their second child (Shannon) on October 8, 1962.

In September of 1964, they moved to Coulee Dam, Washington, where Merv had been offered a job at the local Chevron Station. Merv would later take over the station through lease/purchase, and so began the era of "Merv's Chevron."

Patty worked various jobs in the Coulee Dam area, but most notably with State Farm Insurance until 1987. In 1990, Merv and Patty began another stage in their lives by adding a Mini-Mart to the Chevron business, where Patty became known as simply, "Mini-Mart Momma." She was loved for many things, but her quick smile and contagious, upbeat attitude always made you feel special and welcomed, regardless of whether you had just met her that day or had known her for a lifetime. She retired from the Mini-Mart in 1999.

Patty was a vibrant, lively and beautiful lady, inside and out. She was dedicated to her family, her husband and to life.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents: Byron (Pat) and Ruth Lacy; brothers: Byron "Mike" Lacy and Charles "Tim" Lacy; and grandson, Nathan Schmidt. She is survived by her husband, best friend and companion of 60 years, Mervin Schmidt; a daughter, Shannon (Ray) Burge, of Grand Coulee; a son, Marc (Yvonne) Schmidt, of Portland, Oregon; grandsons: Justin (Shawn Priest) Schmidt, of Grand Coulee; Brandon (Whitney) Schmidt, of Grand Coulee; Damon (Akana Shiba) Schmidt, of Okinawa, Japan; and great-grandsons: Everett Schmidt (Grand Coulee); Gavin Schmidt (Mountain Home, Montana); and Colin Schmidt (Grand Coulee). She was a "Sister" to many and "Momma" to more. We were the fortunate ones to be able to call her Ours.

There were many lovely posts through social media. We thank you. A special thank you to the Coulee Dam Federal Credit Union and its employees, as well as all others who have provided hugs, loves, food and support to our family during this time.

Per Patty's wishes there will be no service. Patty wanted her life to be celebrated just as she welcomed it every morning, with open arms and a smile. Family, friends and others whose lives Patty touched are welcome to join us for a celebration of life during an open house at 1112 Tilmus, Coulee Dam, Washington, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018.