MerryBeth Jaeger Schmidt passed away on Wednesday, October 01, 2014 in Port Orange, FL after a long and tenacious battle with cancer. She was 58. MerryBeth passed from this life much like she lived every day - surrounded by music and people she loved.

MerryBeth's life will be celebrated at Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange, FL on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon at the church to follow. The family will also have a viewing on Friday, October 10, 2014 at Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange, FL from 4:00 -7:00 p.m.

MerryBeth was born on December 25, 1955 in Morris, MN to parents Juliann "Julie" and Robert "Bob" Jaeger. She grew up as the "middle pickle" of five children in Cottonwood, MN and later graduated from Southwest Minnesota State University. Called to be a music educator, MerryBeth taught K - 12 students in Clarkfield, MN, where she met the love of her life and best friend, Stan. They married and moved to the Daytona Beach area in 1984, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Roberta, in 1986.

She was a music teacher for Sugar Mill Elementary and Sweetwater Elementary in Port Orange, FL. She taught with great enthusiasm and shared her passion for music and learning with every child that came through her classroom. Mrs. Schmidt was awarded Teacher of the Year for her school in 2006, and became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2008.

MerryBeth loved and drew great strength from her faith in Christ. To praise Him, she directed church choirs in Minnesota and Florida and played piano and organ for many churches in the Daytona Beach area. Most recently, she was the pianist for Grace Episcopal Church, a position that filled her with purpose, peace, and joy, especially during the difficult battle against her disease. MerryBeth taught us all to inspire others, devote our hearts, cherish life, and always give thanks and praise.

MerryBeth is survived by her husband Stan Schmidt of Port Orange, FL, her daughter Roberta Schmidt Lysholm (Brian) of Deland, FL, her mother Julie Jaeger of Marshall, MN, her brother Lowell Jaeger (JoAnn) of Carlos, MN, her sister Deanna Larson (Rick) of Ortonville, MN, her sister Gretchen Noon (Ron) of Wadena, MN, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends near and far whom she adored. She is reuniting with her father, Bob Jaeger, sister Roberta Packard, and nephew Ben Noon in heaven.

Family is requesting memorial donations to the:
Gatway Bank
MerryBeth Schmidt Memorial,
Attn: Ed Roddy,
3741 S. Nova Road,
Port Orange, Florida
321289