Elisabeth Hushler

Elisabeth Hushler, 83, passed away peacefully in her home in Prescott Valley.  She was born on January 17, 1935 as Elisabeth Disteli in Olten, Switzerland.  German was Elisabeth’s first language.
   In 1939, Elisabeth and her family moved to St. Emilion, France, where she resided through World War II and the post war period. Elisabeth learned to speak French as a second language. In 1952, Elisabeth met and married Wilhelm Schmidt in Sabres, France.  Two years later, the couple immigrated to America, arriving in New York City aboard the MV Britannic with 2 suitcases and a $5 bill, settling in Wall Township, NJ.
   To help make ends meet, Elisabeth sought out home and office cleaning jobs, while finding her calling as a care giver to several neighbors, elderly friends, and family members.  Elisabeth learned English as her third language.  Shortly after her beloved husband, Wilhelm’s, unexpected passing in 1974, Elisabeth found employment in the shipping department of Standard-Keil, Allenwood, NJ, where she met her second husband and US Navy World War 2 veteran, Roland Hushler.  They were married in Neptune, NJ in 1975. 
   In 1980, Elisabeth and Roland moved to Mena, Arkansas, where they purchased a 20-acre farm. It was here where they spent their semi-retirement time raising cattle, while growing and canning vegetables. 
   In 1996, Elisabeth and Roland joined a welcoming community in Prescott Valley. After Roland’s passing in 2010, Elisabeth focused her energy on supporting her neighbors and community, leaving behind a legacy as a kind, caring, and giving friend and neighbor. Elisabeth celebrated her 80th birthday with a skydive and a birthday party that included her closest friends and family, which Elisabeth fondly recalled as her best birthday ever.
   Elisabeth is survived by her loving sons, Wilhelm Schmidt (Diana), Walter Schmidt (Marjorie), and Werner Schmidt, her dear daughters, Kathy Barrow (Harvey Todd) and Bonnie Proetto, and her beloved grandchildren, Walter T. Schmidt (Danielle), Andrea Rodgers (Zachary), and Ian Barrow.
   Niche-side services will be held on Friday, Sep. 21, 2018 at 1pm, at the Prescott National Cemetery.
   The Hushler-Schmidt family would like to thank the hospice staff for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests to direct donations by either check or by online contribution (click on link and “Donate Now”) in Elisabeth Hushler’s name to:
   Kindred Hospice3107 Clearwater DrivePrescott, AZ 86305
https://www.kindredhealthcare.com/our-services/hospice/hospice-foundation   
Ruffner-Wakelin Bradshaw Chapel assisted the family with the arrangements. Please sign Elisabeth’s guestbook at http://www.ruffnerwakelin.com/.