Obituary for Nina Jane Karen Alexander (2024)

Nina Jane Karen Alexander, 85, of Spokane, Washington, passed away peacefully at her home on May 14, 2022, surrounded by her family.

Nina was born in Tucson Arizona, August 22, 1936, the 5th of nine children to John and Myrtle Alexander.

At the age of six, Nina and her parents moved to Patterson, WA where Nina attended Patterson Grade School. and eventually relocated to Kennewick, WA where she attended high school.

In 1951 Nina married Fredrick L. Schmidt (“Freddie”). In 1958, she and Freddie moved to Spokane with their daughters, Sally, Peggy, and Tracy. Just 2 years later, in 1960, son Perry was born, completing their family.

Nina continued to be a devoted mother while working in the food service sector for the Spokane School District, including Lewis and Clark High School where Sally, Tracy and Perry were students. When her parents aged and needed help with their daily activities, Nina moved in with her mother and father in Kennewick, caring for them until their passing.

Nina worked all her life helping to support her family, including the school food service as well as with General Telephone Electronics in Kennewick, WA and PacificTelecom, Inc. in Cheney, WA. When she retired from the telephone companies, Nina embarked on a new adventure working alongside her son, Perry, as he successfully built his electrical and general contractor businesses.

Her greatest pleasures were her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. To her family and friends, she was the best listener, generously ready to put a meal on for family and friends at a moment’s notice. She will forever be cherished for creating a safe space in her home. To all who knew Nina, her baked desserts were legendary, especially her chocolate chip cookies. A smile and generosity always in plentiful supply in her house.

Throughout her life, Nina practiced the principles of Christianity, reading from her prayer book each morning and teaching her children to be kind – to each other and to their friends.

Nina will be forever in the lives and hearts of her family and friends.

Left behind to celebrate the life of Nina Alexander are her children: Sally Rogers (David), Tracy Dearing (Dan) and Perry Schmidt (Sandra). Sisters: Barbara Garrett, Judy Campbell, and Laurel Alexander. Brothers Douglas Alexander (Diana) and Jeffrey Alexander (Patty); Seven grandchildren: Josh Dearing (Katrina), Matt Dearing (Erin), Josh Schmidt, Justin Schmidt, Serena Carrier (Cody), Sierra Kellogg (Abraham) and Jonah Schmidt (Hannah): and nineteen Great Grandchildren: Samantha, Danika, Zack, Stephanie, Logan, Lucas, Owen, Kyra, Leda, Kaden, Levi, Kowen, Kelby, Isabelle, Sophia, Lilly, Ellie, Clarence, and Nina Jane. Sister and brother in-laws, Helen Alexander, Velda Manning, Mervin Schmidt, Carol Enders (Larry), Beverly Ellison (Howard), Steven Schmidt (Parm) and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.

Nina was preceded in death by her daughter, Peggy Schmidt, father and mother, John, and Myrtle Alexander; and siblings Edith Liestritz, Beth Allen and John Alexander Jr. brother in-laws Ralph Leistritz, James Campbell, Frank Allen, Ron Garrett. Fred Schmidt, in-laws Fred C and Sarah Schmidt, sister and brother in-laws Bill Manning, Jeannie Saver (Louie), Renee Beirley (Del). and Patty Schmidt.

Memorial services were held June 4, 2022, at Heritage Funeral Home. Grave side services were held on June 4, 2022, at Spokane Memorial Gardens.