Mary Ann Schmalz (Distel)

MARY ANN SCHMALZ

November 26, 1939 – December 9, 2019

Mary Ann Schmalz passed away on December 9, 2019, surrounded by her husband and children.

Mary Ann was born on November 26, 1939 in Montrose, CO to George and Mary Ann (Holstmeister) Distel. Mary Ann grew up in the Olathe area, attending school in Montrose and graduating from Montrose High School in 1959.

In 1962, Mary Ann met her soul mate, the love of her life, Joseph (Joe) Schmalz and they married in January 1964.   They moved to Nucla in 1969 where they made their home and raised their family.  Mary Ann was a homemaker and was able to stay home and raise their children while Joe spent many years working for Colorado Ute.  She was well known for having a heart of gold and a contagious smile. She was a babysitter to many kids through the years, making each of these kids part of her family.

Mary Ann loved spending time with her family and friends.  She treasured the times she was able to have with her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed watching Joe work in his garden, baking and cooking and she loved her collection of angels.  Mary Ann was a member of Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Nucla, where she attended regularly and was known for even taking her “other” kids she babysat to church with her and Joe.

Mary Ann suffered from inclusion body myositis which eventually put her in a wheelchair full time. Regardless of the pain and suffering she experienced, she was always smiling, happy to see friends, thankful for her family, and showing her faith and love of life in all things.

Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Joseph (Joe), their 4 children: George (Margaret) of Cortez, CO; William (Stacie) of Tucson, AZ; Mary Lynn Logsdon of Clifton, CO; and Bruce (Beverly) of Nucla, CO; 15 grandchildren- Peter, LeAnn, Michael, Megan Schmalz; Joey, Savannah, Jason, Kyra and Dashawn Logsdon; Andrea and Lindsey Goss; Jordon Ferrier, Matthew, Blaine and Brenden Schmalz as well as 5 great grandchildren, Justin and Alyssa Logsdon, Brantley and Colt Ferrier and Liam Guthrie. Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers George, Clarence and Lawrence Distel and her sister Agnes Krebs.

The family would like to thank Mary Ann’s special care givers, Tonya Stephens, Melea Berg and Pam Youngblood for all their help and support.

Services will be held on Friday December 13, at 11:00am, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Nucla. Graveside services will follow at the Nucla Cedar Ridge Cemetery and a potluck meal following at the First Park Community Center in Nucla.