Mildred M. Poole
Mildred M. Poole, 96, longtime resident of Newton, passed
away on Friday (July 6, 2012) at Presbyterian Manor, where she had resided for
the last several years.
Millie, as she was known to her many friends, was born on
Feb. 20, 1916, in Holly, Colo., to Willie and F.E. Cannon. She married Lero R.
Poole on June 14, 1935. They moved to Newton in 1944. She was preceded in death
by her husband, her parents, three brothers and three sisters, and a beloved
son-in-law, Bill Nelson.
Survivors include her three children: Connie Nelson of
Newton, Joan Mattix and husband Gary of Shenandoah, Texas, and Tom Poole and
wife Frances of Prosper, Texas; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren;
and four great-great-grandchildren.
Millie was a talented musician and played the organ and piano
at St. Luke's United Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, and was very
active in many of the church activities. She taught piano lessons, accompanied
many high school students in UIL competition and even accompanied two of her
grandchildren in Texas in their UIL competitions. She also played for many area
weddings and funerals in the Newton area.
She was an avid supporter of the Newton Area Senior Center,
serving as president in 1989, and belonged to the Auxilliary of the United
Transportation Union. She also worked at the old Carmain's Market on old HW 50
and Eighth Street for several years. She was a loyal volunteer at the
Presbyterian Manor and played the organ for their chapel services and
entertained the residents with her talent on many occasions, even up to the
weeks before her death. She also was named as Woman of the Year in 1974 in the
church and religion category. Millie helped the Golden Notes Choir in getting
their start and accompanied them for several years.
Special thanks to Amanda, Rhonda and Bill for their kind and
loving care for our mother, as well as the other staff from Good Shepherd
Hospice. Also, special thanks to the staff at Presbyterian Manor for their love
and many acts of kindness. And thanks to granddaughter, Kim Durbin, for her
many kindnesses and love.
Contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Hospice, 500 N.
Main Place, Ste. 213, Newton, KS 67114 and Newton Presbyterian Manor, 1200 E.
Seventh St., Newton, KS 67114.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday at Petersen
Funeral Home with visitation at the funeral home from 1 to 9 Tuesday with the
family receiving friends from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
