Lena Frances Schmidt Ochsner

Lena Frances Schmidt Ochsner, 81, of Midland, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2014 surrounded by her family. Lena was born in Slaton, Texas on April 30, 1933 to Fred H. Schmidt and Willie Kate Meador Schmidt. Lena was the youngest of 4 children. She graduated from Slaton High School in 1950 where she was in the top 10 of her graduating class as well as being active as a head cheerleader, playing sports and participating the one act play which won a national award.Following graduation from high school, she attended Texas Tech University and majored in Human Sciences and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1954. While at Texas Tech she earned the following Honors: President of Pi Beta Phi Sorority, President of Association of all Women Students (AWS); Member of Mortar Board; Served on the Senior Class Gift to The University Committee; and selected to appear in the 1953-54 Edition of Who’s Who Among Students In American Universities and Colleges from Texas Tech.Lena met John while they were both attending Texas Tech University. Following graduation she taught art in Seminole, Texas before she and John married in 1955 while he was serving as a Lt. in the United States Army. Lena and John moved to Dallas, Texas in 1957 after John completed his military service. In 1960, John and Lena moved to Midland for John’s job where they raised their 3 children and where Lena was active in their children’s activities, their church and the community.Lena lived a life of love and service to her family, her church and to her community. Some of her achievements and honors included: President of the Midland Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club, was awarded the Evelyn Peters Kyle Province Winner in 1991 from Pi Beta Phi and was an active member of the Pi Beta Phi Alumni Club in Midland since 1960; she was a Member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; a Charter Member of the Symphony Guild; was selected to appear in the 1979-80 Edition of Personalities of the South; a Member of the Gwyn Garden Club serving as President and other offices; served on the United Way Board of Directors; and served as a Board Member of Young Life; was a past officer for Fannin Elementary, Goddard Jr. High, Lee Freshman and Lee High School PTA’s and received the Life Member Award of Texas Congress of PTA in 1980, she served on the Board of Directors for the Children’s Clinic and worked as a volunteer there for many years; and was an Elder and Deacon at her church, Trinity Presbyterian Church. Lena also was well known for her beautiful penmanship and was frequently asked to use her calligraphy skills on wedding announcements, invitations and certificates of all kinds.Lena’s family would like to express their deep appreciation to the staff, nurses and certified nurse assistants who took such wonderful care of Lena during her years at Manor Park. Also her wonderful support team from Home Hospice who have been an additional layer of care and support to her and her family.Lena is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, John Ochsner, their 3 children; John Ochsner, II of Houston, Dr. Robert Ochsner of Midland and Julie Ochsner of Plano, and her 6 grandchildren, Alexandra, Amy, Miles, John III, Jennifer and Kirsten. Lena is also survived by her sister, Mrs. Mary Ann Fields of Amarillo.The family will receive friends on Monday, June 2, 2014 from 6:00-8:00PM at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at 10:00AM at Resthaven Memorial Park.The family suggests memorials be donated in Lena’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4400 N. Big Spring Ste 32, Midland, TX, 79705 or Home Hospice, 200 W. Illinois, Ste 190, Midland, TX, 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.h won a national award.,