Matilda “Tillie” (Mitzel) Schmaltz, the daughter of Christ and Anna (Miller) Mitzel was born on August 6, 1934 in Orrin, North Dakota.  She died at the age of 80 years on Friday, October 3, 2014 at the Heart of America Care Center in Rugby, North Dakota.

Matilda was raised on the rural home of her parents, the 6^th child of 15 children born.  On February 3, 1954 she was united in marriage to Walter Schmaltz at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin.  The couple lived and farmed southwest of Rugby.  She was a hard worker maintaining the family farm, whether it be in the milk barn, raising and caring for her chickens, or tending to her many gardens.  As an avid gardener, she loved having many flower gardens and growing vegetables, which she proudly shared with family and friends along with her baked goods.  She liked hosting family events and gatherings, where she cooked and served wonderful desserts and treats.  She enjoyed tending to the house and using her Stanley Cleaning Products, which she also sold to many neighborhood housewives.  Later in life, she continued her hard work and caring for others by cleaning houses for several clients.  Walter and her moved from the farm into Rugby 12 years ago.  She had strong faith and was devoted to her Catholic religion, praying and leading rosary with many as a member of the Christian Mothers Society and Catholic Daughters.  She also served several circles and cursillo.  She was proud of her family and enjoyed visits from them.  She liked sharing photographs and memories.

Matilda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Walter; children, Marge Jordan, Sheila (Tim) Ostrem and Wayne (Lavon) Schmaltz, all of Rugby; Sandy (Byron) Thompson of Omaha, NE, Renita (Jim) Bowman of Kersey, CO, and David (Trish) Schmaltz of Farmington, MN; 16 grandchildren, Stacy Duchscher, Jamie Zand, Carrie Ostrem, Dale Ostrem, Kristi Gibbs, Kelly Woolhiser, Heather Schmaltz, Travis Schmaltz, Melissa Bohl, Anna Whipple, Katie Van Deraa, Evan Bowman, Kyle Bowman, Taylor, Courtney & Jordan Schmaltz; 20 great grandchildren; siblings, Rose Koble of Harvey, Mike Mitzel of Denbigh, Theresa Burgard of Rugby, Francis Weinand of Minot, Cecila Bruner of Drake, Opal Bachmeier of Minot, Joe Mitzel of Minot, Rita Schiele of Velva, Leo Mitzel of Orting, WA, Edward Mitzel of Peyton, CO, Gerald Mitzel of Orrin and Bradley Mitzel of Virginia; many nieces, nephews; other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clement and Richard Mitzel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 9^th at the Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby with burial in the church cemetery.  Fr. Tom Graner, Celebrant.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday with a rosary and vigil prayer service at 7p.m. and will continue on Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m., all in the Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.  There will be no reviewal in the church.