Judith (Gardner) Schmidt

Judith (Gardner) Schmidt passed away peacefully in her home on August 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born in Jackson, Alabama, on March 30, 1944, to Earl Ray Gardner and Evelyn (Kirk) Gardner. The family moved to Aliceville, AL, where Judy attended and graduated from Aliceville High School in 1962. She went on to graduate from Auburn University and became an elementary teacher. She taught in several states and eventually retired to stay home and raise her children when the family moved to Columbus, Ohio. While attending college, she worked in Yellowstone National Park, where she met and eventually married Dennis Schmidt. Their union produced three daughters and 5 grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. A traveler by heart, Judy planned and organized regular weekend family outings, building fond and lasting memories. Judy loved Yellowstone, a place she and her family visited often. Her heart was in the West, and she and her family eventually settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she enjoyed hiking in the mountains behind her home. Judy was an avid Elvis fan, collecting and listening to all of his albums and attending one of his concerts. She had a favorite story of driving up his driveway when they saw that the iconic gate to Graceland was open. Elvis’ Uncle Vester came to meet them in front of the main door. Uncle Vester was very kind and told them to feel free to look around, but please stay in their car. He then followed them down the driveway to close the gate behind them. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Ray Gardner and Evelyn (Kirk) Gardner. She is survived by her husband Dennis Schmidt, daughters Heidi Marie Kelly, Gretchen Ann Schmidt, and Amanda Louise Schmidt, grandchildren Christian Schmidt, Sam Kelly, Luke Kelly, Cole Jackson, and Maggie Widdows.