Gertrud "Gerda" Schnieders

Gertrud "Gerda" Schnieders, 87, of Bella Vista, Ark., died on Saturday, March 29, 2014, in the Innisfree Health & Rehabilitation of Rogers, Ark. She was born on April 6, 1926, in Greven, Germany, to Felix Lanfer and Anna Frensing Lanfer. She was raised and educated in Germany. She was a registered nurse at the Muenster University Clinic in Muenster, Germany. Gerda married Tony Schnieders on Aug. 3, 1953, in Muenster, Germany. They immigrated to Canada in 1954 and to the United States in 1969. They lived in Fort Myers, Fla., until retiring in 1992 and moving to Bella Vista, Ark. Gerda enjoyed sewing, needlework and crafts. She was active at the Bella Vista Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Werner Lanfer, Hermann Lanfer & Georg Lanfer; and two sisters, Maria Tribowski & Elfriede Jungkamp. She is survived by her husband, Tony Schnieders of Bella Vista, Ark.; one son, Richard G. Schnieders and wife, Linda of Fort Myers, Fla.; one daughter, Mary - Elizabeth Rodgers of Rogers, Ark.; three grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Jonathon, Marlies; and one great-grandchild Aleeza. A Memorial Service will be held at the Bella Vista Christian Church, 103 Riordan Road, Bella Vista, Ark., on Wednesday, April 2, 2014, at 10:30 a.m with Pastor Ron Carter officiating. Visitation will be at the Bella Vista Funeral Home Chapel, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark., on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Memorials may be made to Encompass World Partners, P.O. Box 620067, Atlanta, GA 30362-0067. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.