Dorothy Virginia Schmidt Wood

Dorothy Virginia Schmidt Wood, 91, of Corpus Christi, formerly of Gonzales, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. She was born on July 7, 1933, in Davenport, Iowa, to Dr. Arthur Lewis Bell and Ola Pearl Payne Bell.

A cherished member of the Gonzales community, Dorothy was a proud graduate of the Gonzales High School Class of 1952 and a faithful choir member of First Lutheran Church in Gonzales. She married Henry Charles Schmidt on July 27, 1952, enjoying 36 wonderful years together before his unexpected passing in 1988. Dorothy was fortunate to find a second chance at love when she married Ernest “Buddy” Wood on March 9, 1991, embracing a new chapter filled with joy and a renewed zest for life that lasted for 33 years.

For 68 years, Dorothy co-owned Schmidt & Sons in Gonzales, where her focus on family values and community involvement helped the business thrive, ensuring that every customer and employee felt like part of the family.

Dorothy had an infectious positive attitude and was a go-getter, moving with purpose in every aspect of her life. She loved cooking, gardening and traveling, but most of all, she cherished the time spent with her children and grandchildren. You could always find her in the bleachers at baseball games, volleyball matches, and cattle shows, cheering on her grandkids.

A master in the kitchen, Dorothy was known for her delicious cooking and homemade pies, which brought joy to every family gathering. Each holiday season, she went above and beyond, transforming her home and somehow made each year a little more special. She created a winter wonderland each Christmas, making the season truly magical.

Dorothy had a passion for living life to the fullest, and her love for travel took her to incredible places, including Alaska, the Caribbean, New York, Nashville, and perhaps her favorite, Las Vegas. Whether it was a girls’ trip with her close friends from Odem or family adventures, her vivacious spirit continues to inspire her family every day.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Ernest “Buddy” Wood of Corpus Christi;  sons, Henry Charles Schmidt Jr. and wife Debbie, Keith Alan Schmidt and wife Sara, all of Gonzales;  sister, Anna Fortune and husband Larry of Gonzales; Uncle John Payne of Charlotte, NC; five grandchildren: Stacy Harding (Darren), HC Schmidt III (Kristine), Alecia Bartel (Richard), Erick Schmidt and Travis Schmidt; and ten great-grandchildren: Hayden Harding, McKenzie Hodges, River and Truitt Schmidt, Remy, Kody, Andy, Tory, Beau and Jovy Bartel. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Henry C. Schmidt Sr., and sisters Jeanette and Betty.

Visitation will be held at Seydler-Hill Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Funeral services will be at Seydler-Hill on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 2 p.m., with Larry Fortune officiating. Interment will follow at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include HC Schmidt III, Erick Schmidt, Travis Schmidt, Hayden Harding, Darren Harding, and Ben Wagner. Honorary Pallbearers: Bobby Miller & Todd Madden.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to her wonderful caregivers, Janie Garza and Miriam Pastrana, whose love and compassion brought comfort and joy to her final months. Thank you for being such a beautiful part of her journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in memory of Dorothy Wood.

Friends may sign the guestbook and leave condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home, 906 St. Paul Street, Gonzales, TX.