Rita Schmidt

Rita R. Schmidt, a beloved member of the Mountain Home community, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at the age of 83. She was born on March 18, 1941, in Chicago, Illinois, to Charles and Stephanie Godlewski Rusgis.

Rita was a 1959 graduate of Mountain Home High School, where she was recognized as an All-State Cheerleader. She pursued higher education at the University of Arkansas from 1959 to 1961. In 1962, she married the late William Morris, Jr., and together they raised three children in Lonoke, Arkansas. Rita's dedication to cultural exchange was evident through her role as Director of the Youth for Understanding Exchange Program from 1979 to 1983, during which she hosted several exchange students.

In 1984, Rita returned to Mountain Home and became the owner of Twin Lakes Travel, specializing in cruise trips. She married David Schmidt on February 14, 1992. Following her "retirement" in 1992, Rita and David established Shoal Creek Ranch, where they raised American Saddlebred horses and provided horse boarding services. From 1995 to 2008, they also welcomed several foster children through the Treatment Foster Care Program in Mountain Home.

Rita's love for horses led her to found The Rowdy Riders, an all-female riding group that organized trail rides, horse clinics, and various trips. She formed many deep and lasting friendships through this group.

Rita cherished time spent with her family, entertaining friends, traveling, shopping, and nurturing her love for horses and dogs. Her warm presence and loving spirit will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.

Rita is survived by her husband, David Schmidt of Mountain Home, AR; daughters, Melanie Morphyades (Giannis) of Ossa, Greece and Samantha Morris of Little Rock, AR; son, Michael Morris of Mountain Home, AR; grandchildren, Stephanie (Stelios), Christian, and Veronica (Alexi); and great-grandchild, Philip. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Chuck Rusgis, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at the Bar None Cowboy Church, 44 Arrowleaf Ln, Mountain Home, AR 72653, on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Dusty Stanford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Saddlebred Rescue, Inc using the link below.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services, Mountain Home, Arkansas. To share condolences and memories, please visit www.kirbyandfamily.com.