BY AMY HIGGINS
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Laverne "Tubby" Schmiedt, known as "Aunt Tubby" to generations of children in Mariemont and Fairfax, died Wednesday in the Vista Care Hospice at the New England Club after a long illness.
Ms. Schmiedt, 84, loved children and often handed out candy or ice cream to youngsters who came into Harper's Market in Mariemont or the Convenience Store on Wooster Pike in Fairfax, where she was a cashier.
"Children were her specialty and they rarely left without a treat and a hug," said her nephew, Fred Tilton.
Ms. Schmiedt was born in Tripp, S.D. She was the tenth of 12 children born to Russian-German immigrants who helped settle the Dakota Territory before it became the state of South Dakota.
Judy Tilton, Fred's wife, said Ms. Schmiedt probably got her nickname as a chubby child, but she grew up to be the thinnest of her family, never weighing more than 135 pounds. The nickname "Tubby" stuck as a joke, Mrs. Tilton said.
While in her 20s, Ms. Schmiedt became postmistress and owned a small bar in Watauga, S.D., in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation.
She came to Mariemont in 1948 to visit her sister, Gerrie Tilton, who moved to the area with her husband. Ms. Schmiedt never left, living in the same two-room apartment on Chestnut Street for 45 years.
"She was a character," Mr. Tilton said. "People always got a kick out of her."
Ms. Schmiedt is survived by her sister, Gerrie Tilton, and numerous nieces and nephews. She donated her body to the University of Cincinnati and requested no service. Memorials and contributions can be made to Vista Care Hospice, 8135 Beechmont Ave., Cincinnati 45255; or Kids Helping Kids, P.O. Box 42398, Cincinnati 45242.
H. Stephen Uihlein, a 35-year hospital administrator and health-care executive, died Tuesday at the Christ Hospital. He was 73.
Mr. Uihlein of Hyde Park was hospital administrator at Highland District Hospital near Hillsboro, Ohio, where he oversaw a major expansion. He also served as an administrator at Bethesda Hospital and the executive director of Medco Peer Review Inc., an affiliate of the Academy of Medicine of Cincinnati.
Mr. Uihlein attended St. Xavier High School, graduated from Withrow High School and attended the University of Cincinnati. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served for the duration of World War II.
A long-time member of the Milford Gun Club, Mr. Uihlein was an avid skeet shooter, fisherman and golfer.
During a seven-month illness, Mr. Uihlein kept his characteristic high spirits and easy-going nature.
"Everyone who met him liked him," his son Reif Uihlein said. "He was a good role model."
Reif Uihlein, of Anderson Township, said his father will be remembered most for his devotion to his family and his gentlemanly, respectful manners.
Mr. Uihlein also is survived by his wife, Betty Uihlein of Terrace Parkdaughter, Stephanie Shiels of Terrace Park; son, Justin Uihlein of Hyde Park; and eight grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lord Christ the King Church, 3223 Linwood Ave., Mount Lookout. Memorials can be made to Friarhurst, 8136 Wooster Road, Cincinnati, 45227.
