Mildred Betty Strohl, 94
Mildred Betty Strohl, 94, on Nov. 15, 2009, joined the heavenly angels, Jesus, her husband Russell, family and friends for a joyous reunion.
A private internment was held at Grandview Cemetery with Pastor Dornfeld officiating. Services will be announced at a later date in Bonners Ferry.
Mildred was born the youngest of four children on Aug. 9, 1915, in Taylor, Neb., to Grace Belle and Roscoe Francis Patterson.
Mildred was raised and attended schools in Taylor. After high school, she attended a teachers’ college and taught school in rural Nebraska.
Mildred taught students in first through eighth grades in a one-room schoolhouse. She was expected to carry in the water, build the fires and clean the school. Mildred stayed in the homes of her students.
On Jan. 31, 1942, she married her high school sweetheart and life-long love, Russell Strohl from Taylor. They wed in San Francisco and lived there because Russell was employed in the shipyards during World War II.
The couple moved to Bonners Ferry in February 1946. They cleared the land and started a dairy farm in the Deer Park community on land Russell had bought with his father.
Mildred was a very active member in the HEO club and Deer Park community events. She loved quilting, gardening, playing cards, dinners with friends and family get-togethers.
After Russell passed in 1988, Mildred moved into town where she continued gardening, quilting with the Lutheran Church and volunteering at the Senior Hospitality Center.
Mildred is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Hess (Bill) of Sparks, Nev., and Jennie Starr of Bonners Ferry; grandchildren Jason Starr (Apryl) of Rathdrum, Dalaina El-Halhuli (Bob) of Lynnwood, Wash., and Russell Hess of Sparks; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mildred also was preceded in death by her parents, brother and sisters, and son-in law Ronn Starr.
She will be missed by family and friends.
The staff at the Extended Care Facility, where Mildred had resided for the last five years, will miss the “look.”
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Family and friends may sign Mildred’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com.
Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is handling arrangements.