Frankie Ellen Schmitz

Frankie "Ellen" Schmitz, 53, and lifetime resident of Chelan County died at Central Washington Hospital, July 17, 2012. She was born on June 20, 1959 to Franklin and Opal (Anthis) Barker in Chelan, Washington and was raised in Ardenvoir along with her four sisters and brother. She attended elementary through high school at Entiat. After high school she worked as a cashier at the Entiat Food Center until 1979 when she moved to Wenatchee, to see what the big city had to offer and enjoy time with friends, and met the "Love of her life", Bob Schmitz. They were married May 22, 1982 and started their life together in Wenatchee, one year later they moved to Ardenvoir and there they stayed and raised their daughter, Nicole. Ellen enjoyed being a loving wife and mother and everyday chores of cleaning and gardening were her hobbies. She wouldn't think twice about lending a "Helping Hand" to others in need. During the Dinkleman Fire in 1988 she was instrumental in organizing food for the fire fighters; procuring 500 sandwiches from Arby's, juice, coffee and melons, and offering the use of their home for showers. She was a second mom to the neighborhood children and loved providing for Nicole's friends when needed. She enjoyed camping with her family and the times spent with friends celebrating. In 2003 she moved to Wenatchee and worked as a Diet Aid at Central Washington Hospital. Most recently she enjoyed crocheting afghans and dish towels. Ellen adored her grand children and loved having them stay with her overnight to craft, watch TV and eat extra buttered popcorn. She is survived by her daughter, Nicole (Mike) Macmasters, East Wenatchee, stepson, David (Valerie) Schmitz, Cashmere, step daughter, Korin Spanjer, Cashmere, sisters, Roberta Barnes, Wenatchee, Kay (David) Bowyer, East Wenatchee, Marci Barker, Wenatchee, Mary (Wes) Tatum, Wenatchee, husband and friend, Bob Schmitz, Leavenworth, grand children, Lexie & Jordan Schmitz, East Wenatchee, Holly Spanjer, Cashmere, Joseph Schmitz, Wenatchee, Kim Schmitz, Auburn, Josh Schmitz, Everett and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Danny Barker. The family wishes to extend heartfelt "Thank You" to the Wenatchee Fire Department, Ballard Ambulance, the ER and Staff at CWH, Chaplains Scott and Mark, Teri and Mark Robinson and a "Very Special Thank You" to SueAnn Baird and Richelle Watts. Graveside services will be Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at the Entiat Cemetery at 10:30am with a pot luck lunch following at the Warehouse Church. Visitations will be Monday, July 23, 2012, noon to 5:00 and Tuesday, July 24, 2012 10:00-7:00pm at Heritage Memorial Chapel, 19 Rock Island Rd., East Wenatchee. In lieu of flowers the family has set up an Ellen Schmitz Memorial Account at Cashmere Valley Bank. You're invited to visit her online guest book to leave condolences and pictures for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Frankie Ellen Schmitz

June 20, 1959 - July 17, 2012