Krista Kay Schmitt

Krista Schmitt of Newburgh, IN passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday April 15, 2025, surrounded by family.

Krista was born on September 24, 1957, in Evansville, IN. She was the youngest of six children descended from parents Ruth and Jack Chism. Krista was a loving wife, mom and grandmother who regularly demonstrated strength, resilience, and a love and commitment to her family. Her qualities and strengths were illustrated at a young age when at seventeen she became a mother and put off completing graduation from Bosse High School until 1993 to ensure the success of her family.

Despite putting off her education for her family, Krista’s career took a successful path due to her determination and strong work ethic. She began her career in retail at the Baby Shop, progressing in her career through roles in the auto industry before finally finding her calling in the insurance industry in her thirties. She spent most of her career as an insurance property and auto adjuster working for many large property and casualty insurance companies. She loved taking care of her clients and demonstrated exceptional technical skills and knowledge in her field. She retired from the insurance industry in May 2024.

As a part of her time in the insurance industry, she met the love of her life, Greg Schmitt. Greg and Krista married in 2009 and lived a happily married life bringing together and forming a larger family that would grow over the coming years. Together, Greg and Krista shared a love for life and found fun traveling with their family and sharing family time at home and around the pool. They especially enjoyed celebrating the holidays and created many special Christmas and holiday memories with the family. Following her retirement, Krista and Greg built a retirement home in summer 2024 to enjoy the next phase of life and create new family memories.

In addition to their sons and daughters, Krista and Greg lovingly took the responsibility of acting as parents and caretakers of their granddaughter Sophia and greatly enjoyed the opportunity to parent another daughter. Krista also had a special relationship with her niece, Denise Chism, and acted as a second mother to her over the years.

In her spare time, Krista enjoyed watching and wagering on horse races, reading mysteries and romance novels, and watching movies, especially Dirty Dancing.

Krista was preceded in death by her parents, siblings (Gary Chism, Tammy Manly, Randy Chism, and Wyota Smith), and grandson Taylor Riddick.

Krista is survived by her husband Greg, sons George Lance (Ann) and Justin Lance; granddaughter Sophia Lance; stepdaughters Jennifer Hampton (Kevin), Rebecca Schmitt, Dana McRoberts (Aaron), and Kayla Schultze (Josh); honorary daughter Denise Chism, eleven other grandchildren, one great grandchild, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will have a celebration of life in the future for close family and friends.

Krista was a wonderful wife, mom and grandmother and will be missed immensely by her family. Friends and family who want to honor her life and passing may contribute in her name to the American Cancer Society.