Mildred Edwards

Mildred Edwards treasured every moment spent in the company of her family and friends. They were the people who she taught, the people who she watched over, and above all else, the people who brought her life immeasurable joy.

The decade of the 1920s was a time of drastic change within America. Women had just gained the right to vote, and buying on credit was quickly becoming the nation’s favorite new discovery. It was in the year 1923 in Byron Center, Michigan, that Edwin and Hazel (Rawlings) Haase were delighted to announce the birth of their daughter, Mildred, on December 8th.

Mildred was the youngest of four children, and the only girl. She was raised on her family’s farm in Byron Center with her three brothers, Donald, Milton and Russell. Being the youngest and growing up during the Depression, Mildred learned to be self-sufficient and frugal-minded at an early age, something she carried with her throughout her life. Unlike many girls of the time, Mildred graduated from Byron Center High School in 1941.

Mildred met the love of her life, Donald Edwards, at a dance in Wayland, and they were happily married in May 1952. The couple shared the next 25 years together, raising their two beautiful daughters, Kay and Donna, and sharing many wonderful memories as a family. Some of their fondest recollections included the leisure Sunday drives as a family and stopping at Plainwell Ice Cream for a treat.

Always resourceful and very cost-conscious, Mildred made the best of the simplest of things. She never cut corners, however, when it came to her family, who she loved dearly. She dedicated her life to making sure they were well cared for, and that they knew they were loved. Later in life, when Mildred became a proud grandmother, she took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren and great grandchildren with love and attention. Besides being a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Mildred worked for several years at Parker Hannifin Corporation before retiring.

Sadly, Mildred lost her beloved husband, Donald, in 1977. Heartbroken, she began keeping to herself, and stayed close to home. Mildred had many hobbies though that kept her busy. Over the years, she enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting, and did much of the mending for her family. Mildred also loved to watch the Lawrence Welk Show, and listen to music by Patsy Cline. Mildred had been suffering with Dementia for some time, but died unexpectedly from complications of pneumonia on Saturday, November 27, 2010, at the age of 86.

What gave Mildred the greatest joy was sharing herself with her family, offering them the most precious thing she possessed – her time. It is a gift none of them will ever forget.

Learn more about Mildred, view her life story film and visit with her family and friends on Tuesday, November 30, from 12 to 2 p.m. followed by services at 2 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881).

Members of Mildred’s family include her children: Kay (Matt) Reese and Donna (Gary) Howe, both of Otsego; grandchildren: Kimmie, Ryan, Lacey and Kellie; great-grandchildren, Joshua and Hunter; and a brother, Donald Haase. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, and two brothers, Milton and Russell Haase. Please visit Mildred’s memory page at www.lifstorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo and/or sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Neighbors.