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Marquita Schmitz

November 13, 1938 - August 7, 2021

Marquita R. (Quijano) Schmitz, 82, died of cancer August 7, 2021 in Des Moines, IA.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., August 13, 2021 at The Abbey at Glendale Cemetery (4909 University Ave, Des Moines) with interment of ashes immediately following. The rosary will be prayed at 9:30 am.

Born November 13, 1938 to Frank and Mary (Beltrame) Quijano in Des Moines, she was the second oldest child in a large, active, and loving family. She graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic school and St. Joseph’s Academy. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Drake University and her master’s degree in Counseling from Mankato State University.

She married David Schmitz in June 1962. The young couple lived in numerous places including the Chicago metropolitan area, in Albuquerque NM, in various parts of Iowa, and most recently for 43 years, in the Peoria area of IL. Marquita was a teacher, high school counselor and social worker. She helped and advocated for children, teens, and families in their search for their best selves.

Survivors include four sisters, Lupe Babcock, Donna Beattie, Barbara Q. Decker, and Dolores Leon; two brothers, Donald and Alec Quijano; her spouse, David Schmitz; her daughter and son-in law, Ann and David DeWitt, and her two grandsons, Thomas and Vincent.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.MemorialServicesOfIowa.com