Barbara Ann Schmitt nee Wooten, age 73, of Fairview Heights, Ill., born January 19, 1950, in Drew, Miss., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, at her home.

Barbara had a bachelor's degree in education, with an emphasis in history, as well as a master's degree in cultural foundations of education. She loved learning, and she was a well of knowledge.

Barbara served as a school secretary for William Holliday Elementary School in Fairview Heights for 20 years. She and Frank were active in their parishes at Scott AFB, St. Clare, and St. Albert the Great/Holy Trinity. Barbara loved playing piano and singing with the church choir, as well as being involved with the Confirmation classes and youth groups.

Barbara was a devoted wife to Frank through military deployments, cross-country moves, and the raising of their six children. She was an amazing mother, always willing to go out of her way for those she loved. Barbara enjoyed Sudoku, bluegrass music, history, and new adventures with friends and family. She had an infectious laugh and a generous spirit that was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was beloved by family and friends and will be dearly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ret. Lt. Col. Francis "Frank" T. Schmitt, whom she married January 22, 1971; her mother, Sylvia Ann Wooten, nee Everitt; her father, James 'Grady' Wooten; and her brothers, William 'David' Wooten and James 'Donald' Wooten of West Point, Miss.

She is survived by her children Amy 'Catherine' Reese of Fairview Heights; Cameron Schmitt of Caseyville; Susan (Cory) Knapp and Virginia 'Gina' Schmitt of Breese; Laura (Leo) Rogato and Rebecca (Bob) Corless of O'Fallon; her grandchildren Emily, Abigail, Sarah, and Joanna Reese; Lucia, Naomi, Xavier, and Elijah Knapp; Sabrina Rogato; and Henry and Edwin Corless; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial donations can be made to support Rock Steady Boxing, a boxing-based fitness program for those with Parkinson's, payable to "Fairview Heights Parks and Recreation" with "Rock Steady Boxing Barbara Schmitt Memorial" on the memo line, or Holy Trinity Catholic Church Youth Ministry and mailed to Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL 62269. Offer your condolences at www.wfh-ofallon.com .

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O'Fallon.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 am, Monday, March 6, 2023 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fairview Heights, Ill,. with Rev. James Nall presiding. Burial will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo.