Gloria Jean (Walker) Schmit, daughter of Harold and Norma Schieding Walker, was born on October 24, 1944, in Beatrice, Nebraska. She peacefully passed away at home on December 18, 2024, surrounded by her family, at the age of 80 years and 55 days. Gloria was the second of four children.

Gloria was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice, Nebraska. She attended Beatrice Public Schools, graduating from high school before pursuing further education at Fairbury Junior College. There, she earned an associate's degree in education and began her teaching career in Ohiowa. Gloria later took a position in Table Rock, where she returned to college at Peru State College and earned her bachelor’s degree in education.

While teaching in Table Rock, Gloria met Byford Schmit, and the couple began dating. They were married on July 3, 1970, and she became a member of the Catholic Church. Together, they had three children: Wendy, Matt, and Eric. Gloria continued her teaching career at St. Andrew’s Catholic School and later at Falls City High School, retiring in 2010 after 42 years in education. She also taught in Louisville and Odell during her career.

After retirement, Byford and Gloria enjoyed traveling as “snowbirds” with their truck and camper, spending 13 winters in Arizona and Texas.

A dedicated member of St. Ann’s Altar Society and a lector at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Steinauer, Gloria also served for many years on the Pawnee County Election Board and the Steinauer Community Club for many years. She cherished the companionship found at morning coffee gatherings and enjoyed many 5 o’clock happy hours with friends. Gloria was a passionate supporter of her children and grandchildren, attending their various activities and milestones.

Gloria is survived by her husband, John Byford Schmit; children Wendy (Cory) Horalek of Kansas City, MO, John Mathew Schmit of Table Rock, NE, and Eric (Stephanie) Schmit of Humboldt, NE; grandchildren Taylor (Cory) Schifflett of Weston, MO, Ryan Horalek and Rylie Michael of Blue Springs, MO, Wyatt Schmit of Table Rock, NE, Gracie Shafer and Cole Kirkendall of Rulo, NE, and Bailee and Jack Schmit of Humboldt, NE; great-grandchildren Carson, Kash, Klyde, and Walker; her sister, Nancy (Dan) Spearow; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Norma Walker; her in-laws, Jack and Alice Schmit; brothers Ron Walker and Daryl Walker; and sisters-in-law Delores Puhalla and Tammy Schmit.

Mass of Christian Burial Service: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2024, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska, officiating Father Michael Christensen. Rosary Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m., at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Visitation on Friday, December 20, 2024 from 9:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m., at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Interment St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska. Memorials family choice for a later designation.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com.

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.