Carol Bethene Schmidt

Carol Bethene Schmidt was born on October 25th, 1931 in Merna, Nebraska to George William Hircock and Vera Ardis (Horne) Hircock. 

She graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1949, where she enjoyed playing the clarinet in the school's band.

She married Merle Schmidt on September 12th, 1963 in Amherst, CO. They resided in Holyoke and together they raised Carol's four children from a previous marriage; Michael, Terry, Dan, and Susan Gracey.

Merle and Carol farmed together with Carol often operating the combine during wheat harvest; arriving home for supper covered in dust from driving in the open cab. They worked hard but enjoyed their time together in the field.

Carol also had a thriving business as a Mary Kay Consultant for over 20 years from 1985 to 2006. She had a fully stocked office of cosmetics, termed affectionately: "The Mary Kay Room" by her family. She hosted many facials and Mary Kay open house events over the years and generously gifted specially selected pallets of the latest colors to her daughter, granddaughter, sister-in-law, and neice each Christmas.

Carol loved being in the outdoors; whether it was out on the golf course, fishing her favorite spot near Wray at Stalker Lake, or tending the vegetables and various flowers in her garden, she always sported a sun-kissed glow from her time in the sunshine.

A favorite memory of hers that we loved for her to share was the time she and her high school friends skipped out on a Job's Daughters state meeting. They found out Tommy Dorsey and his band were playing at a pavilion in Omaha and went dancing under the stars...what a night they had! Ultimately they were kicked out of Job's Daughters for missing the meeting, but she always said it was worth it. 

Carol was survived by Michael Gracey, son, Holyoke, CO; Susan Davidson, daughter, Union City, CA; Don Hircock, brother, Austin, CO; Craig Gracey, grandson, Ozark, MO; Bret Gracey, grandson, Massachusetts; Aaron Gracey, grandson, Lawrence, KS; Dacia Carruthers, granddaughter, San Ramon, CA; Kelly Gracey, grandson, Horton KS; Jennifer Mcalexander, granddaughter, Effingham, KS; and Dustin Davidson, grandson, Ft. Worth, Texas.

She was proceeded in death by, Stephani and Tiffani Carruthers, infant twin granddaughters; Dan Gracey, son; Terry Gracey, son; Curt Gracey, grandson; George Hircock, father; Ardis Hircock, mother; and Bill Hircock, brother.

Viewing held from 10am to 6pm, April 19th, 2017 at Baucke Funeral Home in Holyoke, CO. Funeral Service held at 1pm, April 20th, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke, CO. Interment to follow at the Holyoke Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to: The Gracey Memorial Athletic Scholarship, 435 S. Morlan, Holyoke, CO 80734. Or Alzheimer's Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., FL. 17

Chicago, IL 60601