Ouida Nell Schimmel

Ouida Nell Schimmel died peacefully, Sept. 18, 2013, at her home in Oak Ridge, surrounded by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, William Edwin Schimmel, and her parents Mattie and Lawrence Keeton.

She is survived by brother, James Keeton of Oak Ridge; daughter, Anita (James A.) Barker of Knoxville; sons, Calvin Schimmel of Nashville, and Roy Schimmel of Oak Ridge; four grandchildren, Tara Barker Gilbreath of Knoxville, Christie Barker Ragle of Knoxville, Ryan and Katie Schimmel of Nashville; and four great-grandchildren, Keaton and Connor Gilbreath, Maddison Belle, and Jackson Barker Ragle; niece, Carrol Welch of Oak Ridge; and nephews Bobby Keeton of Knoxville, and Jimmy Keeton of Nashville.

Ouida was born March 11, 1924, in Meridian, Miss. She graduated from Meridian High School in 1942 and worked as a secretary for American National Insurance Company in Meridian for about four years.

She came to Oak Ridge in 1946 and worked as a secretary for Monsanto Chemical Company at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where she met her husband Bill that same year. Ouida and Bill were married in 1947 at the East Lutheran Church (East Chapel) in Oak Ridge.

After she and Bill were married, Ouida became a full-time wife and mother—a position that she enjoyed and took seriously. Ouida was always actively involved in the lives of her family and children. During the late 1950s, she helped work at the Keeton Building Supply Company family business providing many Oak Ridgers with materials to remodel their homes.

Ouida enjoyed her family, church, and playing the piano.

The family received friends on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 1–2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church. The funeral began at 2 p.m. with Pastor Bill Wagner officiating, and the burial followed at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

Flowers are welcomed or memorial contributions can be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 1300 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.