Bernadette K. Schneider, 91, Schnellville

Bernadette K. Schneider, 91, of Schnellville, passed away at 7:04 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016, at the Timbers of Jasper.

Bernadette was born on August 5, 1924, in Schnellville to Andrew and Katherine (Heichelbech) Merkley. She married Orville Schneider on May 18, 1943 at Sacred Heart Church. He preceded her in death on August 2, 1972.

Bernadette was an assistant postmaster at the Kyana Post Office and delivered mail for many years. She also taught religion, and was caretaker and rosary leader at Sacred Heart Church.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville and their St. Anne’s Sodality, the Schnellville Community Center and the Schnellville Conservation Club. She was a recipient of the Brute Society award.

She enjoyed buying ice cream for the children in her neighborhood and spending time with the neighbors, friends and family.

She is survived by four daughters, Marilyn Hedinger and husband Maurice of Schnellville, Doris Haas of Jasper, Connie E. Thewes and husband Randy of Celestine and Cathy Tolbert and husband George of Paoli; three sons, Andrew Schneider and wife Kathy of Birdseye, Tom Schneider and wife Mary of Schnellville and Kenny Schneider and wife Monica of Schnellville; two daughters-in-law, Deb Ernst of Birdseye and Becky Weisman and husband Bill of Holland; 16 grandchildren; seven stepgrandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 23 step-great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-grandchildren; 15 step-great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Albert Merkley of Schnellville.

Preceding her in death beside her husband were two sons, Gary and Orville Jr. “Buck” Schneider, Sisters; Frances Schuetter and Rita Sivori, brothers; Arthur, Ralph, Clarence, Gilbert and Leo Vic Merkley, and two brothers Joseph and Andrew Jr. who both died in childhood.

Funeral services for Bernadette Schneider will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, Indiana. The Sacred Heart St. Anne’s Society will pray the rosary 1:45 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church or a favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.