Roberta "Bobbie" Neal Schmitt

Roberta "Bobbie" Neal Schmitt, age 95, of Lancaster, California, passed away peacefully of natural causes at her residence on January 30, 2025.

 Born on February 6, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bobbie was the daughter of Julius C. Fine and Roberta Ritchey Fine. She was a proud graduate of San Fernando College. Bobbie dedicated 39 years of her life to her beloved husband, Walter Schmitt. Together, they built a large and loving family. Bobbie was a devoted mother to five children: Joyce, Paul, Suzanne, Rebecca, Steven and James. She also welcomed four stepchildren into her heart: Marie, Ron, Anita, and Janice. 

Bobbie nurtured young minds as a second and fourth-grade teacher. She was also an active and dedicated volunteer. She was a devout member of Sacred Heart Church, and St. Vincent de Paul, generously giving her time and energy to those in need. Knitting was her main hobby, and she was a member of various knitting clubs, and donated hundreds of blankets and scarves over the years to the homeless, hospitals & military. She also volunteered at Antelope Valley Hospital, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, always eager to contribute to her community. 

Bobbie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Walter in December 2020, her son Steven in 1959, granddaughter Kaytea Haskins in July 1996, and stepdaughter Anita Molino in April 2019. She is survived by her daughters: Joyce (Rick) Gahan of Tempe, AZ, Suzanne Neal of Lancaster, CA, and Rebecca (Rob) Captain of Costa Mesa, CA; her sons: Paul (Dawn) Neal of CO, and James (Valynda) Neal of SC; her stepchildren: Ron, Marie, and Janice; as well as her 24 grandchildren and countless great-grandchildren. 

A Mass of Resurrection will be held on March 8, 2025, at 9:00 AM at Sacred Heart Church led by Father Sergio. A reception in celebration of Bobbie's life will be held at Halley-Olsen-Murphy from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on March 8, 2025. Burial will follow at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Vincent de Paul or the Hospice organization of your choice, in honor of Bobbie’s unwavering dedication to serving others.