Tribute; Katherine (Schmauder) Gies

Katherine (Schmauder) Gies was born in Ruff Washington, March 12, 1921, and passed away at Odessa Memorial Healthcare Center on March 9, 2014. She was the last of seven children born to Frederick and Katherine Schmauder and freely admitted over the years, that she thoroughly enjoyed being the somewhat spoiled, frequently outspoken and always adventurous "little Katie."

Growing up on the family farm, between Moses Lake and Ruff, suited Katie just fine, as she was a self-proclaimed tomboy. She loved animals and always had pets. Katie would tell how her older brothers used to move bird's nests out of the way, when they drove tractor, and then show her where they were, so she could watch the eggs hatch and monitor progress of the baby birds. She admits to "punching" an older cousin, who was careless and broke one of her eggs.

Katie attended grade school in Ruff, through the 6th grade. Her father drove school bus and she would tell stories of frightening rides home, through the severe snow and dust storms they had in that area back then. In 1933 Katie's brother Ed took over the farm and her family relocated to Odessa, where she started 7th grade. She liked school and frequently stated that her only real regret in life was having to quit school after completing the 8th grade, to help her father run the small family grocery store he opened in Odessa.

Katie's father was also a carpenter and he built several homes in Odessa, including their own. She lived at home, working full time at the grocery store, until she was 18 years old. Katie would reminisce about the pretty lavender bedroom she had "all to herself," which she said was a real luxury in those days, made possible only by the fact that her siblings were all considerably older than she and had already left home. During these mid-teen years, Katie matured into a beautiful, feisty (albeit petite) young woman.

In 1939, at the age of 18 years, Katie married Harold Gies and the young couple moved in with his parents on the Gies "home place," west of town, just off Batum Road. Harold's mother died shortly thereafter and when his father then moved to town, Katie found herself faced with the new and challenging role of homemaker. She bravely assumed care of the huge house, spacious yard, her new husband and their first child, with the same determination and panache that allowed her to deal with the other significant changes in her life.

Over the next 17 years, Katie and Harold had four more children, expanding their family to a total and final count of seven. Katie's innate intelligence, pithy sense of humor, stubbornness and style (somewhere between a "life-coach" and a drill sergeant) were all factors contributing to her evolution into the consummate homemaker and mother. She had no trouble setting priorities and ran a smooth and orderly household. Harold was the love of her life and she adored her children, urging them to put forth maximum effort in whatever they did, whether it be academic endeavors, sports or community activities. As a life long member of Christ Lutheran Church, Katie ensured that all of her children developed a solid spiritual foundation.

Katie enjoyed cooking and entertaining a great deal. Her meals, desserts (even snacks) were legendary. She always had pets and lovingly cared for them. Once she had so many cats, that Harold put a notice in the local newspaper about visiting "Kate's Catitorium" (which received "mixed reviews" at home)! Although she wasn't crazy about gardening, Katie made sure the yard always looked beautiful and she was quite proud of it. In her later years, she developed a passion for reading, and her taste in books was very eclectic, including everything from gruesome non-fiction to science fiction and everything in between. She always started and finished the day however, reading in her Guideposts and/or Bible.

Katie was the last of her generation of both the Schmauder and Gies families. She will be forever loved and missed by those of us left behind, especially her children: Bob (Honie) Gies, Dick (Mary) Gies, Marlene (Doug) Baker, Susan Jensen, Randy (Ruth) Gies, her twelve grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Although her death leaves an open spot in our hearts, that no one else can fill, we are truly happy that her final wish has come to pass – she is with Harold again, whole and happy, in their final and glorious home together with our Lord and Savior.... No more changes Mom!