Ione Marie Schmidt, 88, of Wentworth, South Dakota, passed away Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Madison Regional Health System. Visitation will be 5 PM to 7 PM, Monday, August 17, at the Ellsworth Funeral Home. Funeral services will be, 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 18 at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Wentworth. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery, rural Wentworth. 

Ione was born October 11, 1937, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Lloyd and Gladys (Ringler) Hoover. She was baptized March 25, 1951, and confirmed December 14, 1958. Her Christian faith was central to her life. Ione graduated from Washington High School.

On July 20, 1958, Ione was united in marriage to Rudy Schmidt in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. They made their home in Wentworth, where they raised their children.

Ione was a devoted homemaker and also worked as a librarian at Dakota State University, retiring in 1993. She was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church and participated in the church Quilters group. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Ione will be lovingly remembered for her faith, her commitment to family, and the quiet care she extended to her community.

She is survived by her husband, three children: Tony (Linda) Schmidt of Wentworth; Dale (Jolene) Schmidt of Piedmont, Denise Reed of Sioux Falls and several grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Dwight Hoover and Dale Hoover.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Shriners Children’s.