Alison Schmidt

Alison Faye (Paul) Schmidt-Ortiz, 39, of Moorhead Minnesota passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2025 under exceptional hospice care at home surrounded by loved ones. Alison was born to Bernice Paul on May 20th, 1986 in Watertown SD. She was raised at 510 4th St Moorhead and attended Moorhead Public Schools. She would later attend Moorhead Minnesota Technical College and MSUM to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Alison loved to travel. She participated in Study Abroad trips to Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt, and Ireland. Alison got to continue her love of travel by taking many fun, adventurous trips with her loved ones throughout her life. Anybody who knew Alison knows she was always surrounded by someone she loved. Most of her greatest memories were made just sitting around with family members, laughing and having fun. Generous is not a big enough word to describe how Alison lived her life. She was the person who would give everything she had to help others even if it meant she left nothing for herself. All of those who encountered her were blessed to receive her love of giving.

In 2006, Alison started her journey as a mom with the birth of her oldest daughter Laila. She would go on to have Layton, Laci, and Apollo. Alison spent her years as Mom making many memories with her kids. Some of the kids’ greatest memories were spent at the fair riding all the rides and being spoiled by their Mom with cotton candy, cheese curds, and giant hot dogs. There was never a boring moment with Alison as a Mom. She would often spontaneously grab anything and pretend it was a microphone and break out in song. Some of the kids’ happiest moments were just hanging out at home with their Mom eating and watching movies. Alison’s goofy, loud,caring,spunky, and advocating personality will continue to shine brightly in this world through her children that she cherished above all.

In 2023 Alison met and started dating Jose Luis Ortiz Soria. From the moment they met, Luis was a consistent support to Alison, loving her in everything he did. Alison would often comment on the appreciation of Luis’s wonderful cooking. He would cook steak tacos with onion, cilantro, lemon, and guacamole on them for some delicious tacos. Luis and Alison married in Moorhead, MN in 2025. They lived happily in love until the day she passed.

Alison was preceded in death by her grandparents Clarence Paul and Etta Redfox, mom Bernice Paul-Hamilton, father Duane Hamilton, aunts Doris Paul, Louella Paul, Zelma “Sally” Paul, uncles Floyd James Paul, Melvin Gene “Hulk” Paul, nieces Lila and Kelli Stoldt, and so many other relatives she knew and loved.

Alison is survived by her husband Jose Luis Ortiz Soria, her four children Laila (19), Layton (16), Laci (15), Apollo (6), sisters Nanette (Frank) Stoldt, Leslie Paul, and brother Floyd (Stacy) Paul, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A sharing of memories will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 10:00 A.M., with a final goodbye at 10:00 A.M., at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Moorhead, on Thursday, August 21, 2025.