Hiltraud Schmaltz-Volk, also known as Omi, shed her earthly cloak on May 15, 2013 at Kennewick General Hospital, at 5:20 pm so that she could continue her spiritual development. Born on February 14, 1942, Hiltraud always had a strong spirit and character which shined through her later years as a mother to 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Her love for nature and color was expressed beautifully in her paintings and pottery; and her love for people was expressed through care giving, tutoring, hosting 3 foreign exchange students, and by instilling many ideals in her loved ones. She had the biggest smile, and an unforgettable laugh. No one gave a firmer, more sincere hug! She prided herself in her healthy cooking and in always providing the best to her family. Hiltraud was also known for her gift of modifying everything from clothing with sleeves that started out too long, to drapery without enough lace, to pillows with too few frills. She would cut, sew, fold, twist and paint, until these items met her very personal specifications; everything touched by Omi screamed her name. She will forever be remembered by her family as a woman of strength, who found peace in music, art, literature, and in jewelry. Her home was always beautiful, filled and surrounded with flowers, art, pottery, and angelic figurines. Four years ago Hiltraud was diagnosed with cancer and learned to accept this as another challenge helping her in her spiritual growth. Hiltraud would want to say a thank you to Doctor Kincaid for granting her a very important wish in reversing her colostomy, when others advised her against attaining this wish. This meant so much to her. She would also want to say many thank yous to Doctor Ness and staff for the kind way he cared for her, incorporating her wishes into his medical plan. It meant so much to her to be heard. Thank you! Also a big thank you for the compassion expressed to Hiltraud during her final visit to KGH ER, particularly Dr. Johnson and Nurse Amanda and chaplain Libby. In an ER setting, where it is often a luxury to express compassion and take time, we appreciated how you cared for all of us. Hiltraud was preceded in death by her parents Karl and Gretel Schmaltz. She is survived by her husband Rainer, her siblings Horst (Evi) Schmaltz, and Heidi (Leo) Muller. Her children Heidi (Jim) Tittle and their children Liesel, Charlotte, James; Tina (David) Brewer, and their children Madeline, Olivia, and Eliza; and Michael (Melissa) Volk, and their children Henry and Hazel. We all wish to say thank you to our friends and family for their condolences, and offers of food, love, and support. In closing, we would wish to remind those who would listen, never to pass up an opportunity to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them. Let go of the small stuff. We love you and will miss you Hiltraud, Mom, Omi. We find peace in knowing that we will see you again someday. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 25, 2013 at 2:00pm at Mueller's Chapel of the Falls, 314 W. 1st Ave, Kennewick, Washington. Following the memorial service you are invited to attend a celebration of Hiltraud's life at the Volk residence at 1305 N Rd 68, Pasco WA 99301.