Phyllis C. Schmidt 1938-2026

Born Nov. 20, 1938, in Emeigh, Pa., Phyllis was the daughter of Clarence and Marion Gentles Ellis.

She grew up in the Brownlee Woods neighborhood in Youngstown with her five brothers, shaping her into a woman of quiet strength and resilience.

After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1956, she worked as a dental assistant and later as a secretary for Ohio Edison, but her true calling was her family.

On May 2, 1957, Phyllis married Daniel F. Schmidt, beginning a partnership built on devotion, steadiness and a shared commitment to raising their children with love. Together they created a home that was warm, welcoming, and filled with the small everyday moments that became the heart of a family. Phyllis poured herself into raising three sons and a daughter and later found immense joy in all of her grandchildren. She was the quiet and loving center of her family.

Besides her husband, Phyllis is survived by her son, Brian Schmidt; and daughter, Marion (Roger) Mayle. She also leaves behind three beloved grandchildren, Rebecca (Scott) Stack, Daniel (Laurie) Schmidt III and Brett Hofus; three great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren, all of whom carry her love in the way they live, care and show up for one another.

She was preceded in death by her parents; five brothers, Jack, Clarence Jr., Charles, Robert and Herbert Paul “Scotty” Ellis; two sons, Daniel F. Jr. and Scott Schmidt; and a grandson, Ryan Hofus.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the staff at Briarfield Manor and Akeso Hospice for all of the kind, compassionate care they gave to Phyllis and her family.

Phyllis will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her unwavering devotion to her family and the quiet, steady love that shaped generations. Though she has left our sight, the warmth she gave so freely remains in the stories we tell, the traditions she built and the love she taught us to give.

Family and friends will be received 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, July 2, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 2305 S. Canfield-Niles Road, Austintown, with services to follow at noon.

She will be laid to rest in Green Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Canfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Phyllis’ memory to Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Arrangements for Mrs. Schmidt are being provided by the Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, 5797 Mahoning Ave., Austintown.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences can be sent by visiting www.lanefuneralhomes.com.

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