Carla Rickert was born in New York City to Jeanne and Walter Schmidt. Carla was one of the five lovely and uniquely special Schmidt sisters that also includes Meta, (Ralph), Greta, (Glen), Lila and Ilsa, (Ken). Carla attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, Cathedral High School (NYC) and Hunter College. She grew up in Manhattan and early on, she developed a love of horses. She confessed once that she hoped that her parents would let her get a horse and keep it in the city near Central Park.
Sometime after her marriage of over 50 years to Richard Rickert, they relocated to Indianapolis, where they raised three children, including Richard Rickert III, Louisa Osborne, (Gary) and Adam Rickert. She had four grandchildren’, Hannah, Elliot, Megan and Nathan. She was affectionately known as Granny, and her love for her family and grandchildren was more than they will ever know.
At one point, Carla became interested in theater and she was in a number of local plays, including Footlight Musicals “Dear World”, Carmel Old Schoolhouse Players “Oliver”, and Athenaeum Turners “Prisoner of 2nd Avenue” as well as Christian Theological Seminary “I Remember Mama”. She also worked as a field Interviewer for the U.S census and other organizations, which led her on many adventures which she approached with interest and intrigue and sometimes courage.
Patricia Vanlanot (Patty) says
My memories of Carla brings up our wonderful neighborhood and a happy time growing up.
I remember chatting in my mothers kitchen while she visited with Carla and my little sister played with “Lulu”. Louisa.
Carla was fun to talk with. Good sense of humor ! We had one kitty from their cat. My sister named her Bunny!!!
I know Carla will be missed and I am sorry for all of you. She can perhaps have a chat with Pat!
Love and prayers for you all.