Marty Schmitt

Marty Schmitt, or as some remembered her Martha Boots, passed from the world as we know it on November 15, 2019 at her home in Des Moines, IA.

Marty had been fighting cancer for almost 4 years. She took time during that fight to say good bye to friends, family, and cherished loved ones and to have remarkable adventures.

Marty was born on January 3, 1957 to Ennis Boots and Eleanor (Johnson) Boots and graduated from Valley High School in 1975. She worked in the insurance and hospitality industries but the most important job to her was that of being a mother to Stacey Netz (Sidney, Montana) and Stephen Schmitt (St. Paul, Minnesota), and the wife of Tony Schmitt. She also held a special place in her heart for her grandson, Christopher Netz.

At her request, Marty’s body has been donated to medical research so that more work can be done to fight the cancer she fought against so hard. She has also asked that no services be held, and instead that you spend a little time with your loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a flowering tree or flowers in a garden or donate to Trees Forever.

This poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye has become important to Marty as she lived her last years.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

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