Winifred L. Schroeppel

Winifred L. Schroeppel, 92, of Shawnee, Kansas, died peacefully at Kansas City Hospice House, on March 21, 2011.

Winnie was born in Pattonsburg, Missouri, on January 3, 1919, the daughter of Grace Eulinger Wright and Samuel Wright. Winnie graduated from Winston High School in 1938. Winnie married John Edwin Tilly in 1941; together they had two daughters, Cheryl Sue (Schultz) in January 1945 and Michele Elaine (Shimamura) in May 1947. The marriage was dissolved in 1951. She married Eugene Theodore Schroeppel in 1952; together they had one son, Mark Randall in June 1953.

Winnie was a talented seamstress and worked for Sears teaching clients how to use sewing machine features; she also constructed furniture slipcovers. Later, she worked for H. Lynn-White constructing window coverings; her specialization was Austrian shades. She also made most clothing for her children including winter coats, prom dresses, Halloween costumes, neckties, and a suit for her son. Primarily a mother and homemaker, Winnie assumed leadership roles in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and participated in various other activities with her children. She valued reading and education and spent many hours at the library with her children encouraging them to achieve academically.

Winnie was an accomplished gardener, cook, and artist as well. She took great pride introducing new foods to her children and modeled good nutrition choices. She also instilled a deep respect for animals and cared for many family companion animals. Through the years, she continued her loving care for children, nurturing neighbor children and her own grandchildren by reading books, participating in activities, and making clothes. In 1997 Winnie was chosen for the state of Kansas "Heart of FCE Award".

Winnie was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Herbert Wright; sister, Frances Tilly; husband, E.T. Schroeppel in 2008, and daughter, Cheryl Schultz in 1996. Surviving family members include her daughter and son-in-law, Michele and Wes Shimamura; son and daughter-in-law Pam and Mark Schroeppel; and grandchildren include Misty Schultz (Derek Gaulding), Derrick Lee Schultz, and Adam Edward Schultz.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living and Kansas City Hospice House who cared for mother in her final months and days.

Memorial donations can be made to the Animal Haven Inc., 9800 W. 67th Street, Merriam, Kansas 66203; Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64145; or Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living, 16207 Midland Drive, Shawnee Kansas 66217.

Memorial Service

Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 23, 2011, at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee.