Marsha Ann Schmutz

Marsha Ann Schmutz, age 79, of Barling, Arkansas passed away on November 28, 2025.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and neighbor.

Her life was marked by compassion, dedication, and a deep love for her family and community.

She was born on February 20, 1946, in Trenton, New Jersey to Joseph and Lydia V. Kremper. She grew up in a close-knit Italian family with several male cousins. She was the apple of their eye. She graduated from Steinert High School in 1963 and enrolled in nursing school. She was a homemaker and raised three children before moving to Arkansas in 1975.

Later in life, she returned to nursing school and completed her goal of becoming a nurse.

She devoted 33 years of service to caring for countless children with gentle hands and a generous heart. Nursing was more than a profession to her—it was a calling. She approached each day with empathy, strength, and unwavering commitment. Even after her retirement, she was always caring for her loved ones. She spent 5 years in the St Edward’s nursery and 27 years working at Waldon Place Pediatrics alongside Dr. Fred De Miranda.

Marsha embraced life with joy and curiosity. She loved traveling, exploring new places, and collecting memories along the way. She was known for her famous lasagna and apple pie that she prepared for her family every Christmas. She also enjoyed sewing, reading, shopping, and cheering for the Razorbacks and OKC Thunder. She was an avid member of Christ the King Church, where faith was important to her.

Marsha is survived by the love of her life, Raymond Schmutz, of 44 years and her children: Kim Martin (Buford), Jim Vaughan (Cidney), Jennifer Sexton (Travis), and Laura Beltran (Jeff). Her grandchildren include Brittany Thames (Andrew), Ashley Frein (Anthony), Taylor Wilson (Jake), Emilee Stark (DaShaun), Sydney Martin, Joey Cabalar (Jennifer K.), Justin Cabalar, James Cabalar, Bella Beltran, and Ellie Beltran, and 12 Great grandchildren.

Jack Mason, Patton, and Greenleigh Barrett; Clarke Thames; Charlotte, Vaughan, and Emilia Frein; Madelyn, Bayleigh, and Luke Wilson; Kaius and Saint Stark.

Marsha will be remembered for her kindness, patience and the playful humor she brought into every room. Her legacy lives in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Edwards Funeral Home, located at 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, Arkansas, on December 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A special ceremony to honor her devotion to nursing will be performed by the Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard. Rosary Service will begin at 6:30 pm.

Memorial Mass will be celebrated on December 4, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Chapel of Christ The King Catholic Church, 1918 South Greenwood Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in memory of Marsha A. Schmutz to one of the following charities: University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Foundation, School of Nursing at PO Box 3649, Fort Smith, AR 72913. Or the Heart to Heart Pregnancy and Family Care Center located at 417 South 16th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901.