Sophie Dorthia Schmidt Dyer

Some people leave the world better simply because they were in it. Sophie Dorthia Schmidt Dyer was one of those people.

Sophie passed away peacefully on August 1, 2026, in Delta, Utah, at the age of 83, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 11, 1943, in Philippsthal, Germany, to Erna Malkomes Schmidt and Georg Schmidt. Sophie spent her childhood in post-World War II Germany, where life was defined by discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. Growing up without running water, she and her siblings walked nearly a mile each way to carry water home as soon as they were old enough. By the age of ten, Sophie was already helping support her family by cleaning her teacher's home. She often said there was little time for play—her mother taught her to "work, work, work," a lesson that became one of the defining characteristics of her life.

Despite the hardships of her childhood, Sophie treasured one memory above all others—watching the American GIs drive through her town in their jeeps. She would often say, "I loved seeing the GIs in their jeeps. They would give us German children candy and let us sit on the hood of their jeeps. I loved Americans from the day I met them. I said one day I was going to marry an American—and I did."

Those encounters did far more than inspire a childhood dream. Having witnessed firsthand what hatred could do to a nation, Sophie came to admire the hope, kindness, and freedom she saw in the American soldiers. She decided as a young girl that one day she wanted to become an American. Years later, becoming an American citizen was one of the proudest moments of her life, and she remained deeply grateful for the country she came to call home.

As a young woman, Sophie continued to work tirelessly. After graduating, she became a Certified Nursing Assistant at a hospital in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, commuting by train each day. She dreamed of becoming a nurse, and when asked why, her answer never changed: "I always liked helping people, and still do." She loved caring for patients and willingly did whatever was needed. Long before she became a wife, mother, or grandmother, serving others was already part of who she was.

Sophie was also a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved sharing the story of how she came to know the restored gospel. As a young adult, she lived with an older couple who were members of the Church. She often recalled listening as they sang hymns throughout their home. Those simple hymns filled the house with a spirit she had never felt before. As she listened, she knew in her heart that she wanted to become a member of the Church.

Soon afterward, she met Ed Dyer, a young American soldier who also happened to be a member of the Church. Looking back, Sophie often saw the Lord's hand in that meeting. They were married soon afterward, and Sophie was baptized in Fort Riley, Kansas, beginning a lifetime of faithful discipleship. Later, after Ed was stationed near Detroit, Michigan, they discovered that Sophie's Church membership records had been lost. Rather than allowing that setback to discourage her, she joyfully chose to be baptized again—a quiet reflection of the steadfast faith that would define the rest of her life.

Together, Sophie and Ed built a beautiful life, raising eight children while traveling throughout the world during Ed's distinguished Army career. Wherever they lived, Sophie created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

When someone once asked Sophie what superpower she wished she could have, she answered without hesitation, “the power to heal others”. In many ways, she already possessed that gift. Whether she was caring for patients in Germany, raising her children, serving in her church, comforting a friend, or dropping everything to help someone in need, caring for others wasn't simply something Sophie did—it was who she was.

She had a personality that drew people to her. Sophie loved to laugh and had a wonderful sense of humor. She gave the very best hugs—hugs that somehow made people feel safe, loved, and at peace. She was kind, forgiving, refreshingly honest, and genuine. She always spoke her mind, but never to hurt someone. She never had an unkind word to say about another person and refused to speak negatively about people behind their backs. She always chose compassion over criticism. Perhaps Sophie's greatest gift was the way she made people feel. When you were with her, she made you feel like you were the only person in the world. She accepted people exactly as they were, loved them unconditionally, and made them feel seen, valued, and important.

Although Sophie lived a life centered on serving others, she found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved beautiful red roses and fragrant lilacs. She never turned down chocolate ice cream. Even if she insisted she wasn't hungry, there was always room for a bowl of chocolate ice cream, which she happily finished without a second thought.

Near the end of her life, Sophie was asked what her biggest fear was. With complete peace she replied, "I don't have any more fear." She was ready to return home to her Heavenly Father and to once again be with her beloved son, Eddie.

Looking back, it is easy to see that God was quietly preparing Sophie for the life she would one day live. A little girl who carried water home each day in post-war Germany experienced unexpected kindness from American soldiers and dreamed of becoming an American. She found the restored gospel through the simple sound of hymns being sung in a faithful home. She married an American soldier, became an American citizen, built a loving family, and spent the rest of her life caring for anyone who crossed her path. The kindness she received as a child became the kindness she spent a lifetime giving away.

Sophie's greatest legacy is not found in the places she lived or the things she accomplished, but in the people she loved. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example and countless lives forever changed by her compassion, generosity, unwavering faith, and Christlike service. She taught us that the greatest measure of a life is found not in what we accomplish, but in how deeply we love others.

Sophie is survived by her beloved husband: Delbert "Ed" Dyer; her children: Mareike Isda, Frank Giles, Judy (Bob) Vaden, Sonya (Marc) Lafleur, Ileah (Randy) Sharp, Michelle (Sean) Hoferer, and Dale (Courtney) Dyer; her 16 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immeasurable joy and pride. She is preceded in death by her parents: Georg and Erna Schmidt; her sister: Elfriede Schmidt; and her beloved son: Eddie Dyer.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 7, at 11:00 am, at the Delta LDS Stake Center, 125 White Sage Avenue. Viewings will be held Thursday evening, 7:00-8:00 pm, at the Nickle Mortuary; and Friday, 9:30-10:40 am, prior to the service. Those unable to attend in person may view the recorded video of the service. Link will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com following the conclusion of the service. Burial in the Delta City Cemetery.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Sophie has returned home to her Heavenly Father and into the loving embrace of those who have gone before her. Her example will continue to live on in her family, in her posterity, and in every life she touched. Until we meet again, we will carry your faith, your kindness, your laughter, and your unforgettable hugs with us always.