“Life is like a Quilt, Years bound together, Embellished with family and friends. Backed with tradition, Stitched with love, Creating a one-of-a-kind Journey through Time.” -Unknown In the morning hours of November 23rd, Nellie Marie (McDonald) Schmollinger, left this earth for her journey into God’s hands and loving arms at the age of 89. Born on January 8, 1932 to Nellie and Earl McDonald in Beaver, Oklahoma, Marie grew up in Talihina in a strict but loving home and quickly became a second mother to a brood of siblings. The oldest of 12 children, Marie fought her way through a life of poverty and an unlikely future before leaving home at 18 to work in Midwest City. She would bring candy home to her little brothers and sisters when she got paid. A few years later she left Oklahoma for a boy named Billy, who stole not only her heart but hand and promised a lifetime of loyalty. Marie met and fell in love with William “Billy" Schmollinger, Staff Sergeant in the USAF, while he was stationed at Tinker Air Force Base. Billy and Marie were married on January 4, 1953 at the Talihina Medical Center Chapel. Together, they raised five children near Farley, Missouri and were married for over 66 years before Billy died 2 years ago. With stubborn proficiency and a keen eye for detail, Marie spent her life as a seamstress. She was very proud of the work she did for police officers, brides, little dancers and more. She worked until her hands could no longer thread a needle and retired begrudgingly at the age of 86. She was smart, determined and resourceful. Marie loved to host Sunday Suppers and often had a house filled with family, lots of laughter and yummy food. She would sit back and watch the Royals and Chiefs, cheering on her favorite boys with vigor and joy. Blessed with a large family, Marie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, often quietly giggling about their antics. May this obituary spark gracious memories of Marie, whose stitched together life reminds us us all to show some gratitude, let go of regrets, love each other well and just be nice. Marie was proceeded in death by her husband, Billy and her daughter, Janie. She is survived by four of her children, Mark, Sandra, Max and Renee, 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Burial services will be held Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Higginsville, Missouri.