Darling, Mildred L.

Mildred L. Darling, age 89, of Williamsville, passed away on Thursday, December 22, 2011, at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield.

She is survived by one son, David (Jan) Darling of Williamsville; four daughters, Marie (Bill) Bartels of Springfield, Nancy (Randy) Jackson of Springfield, Shirley (Marty) McCandless of Petersburg, and Susan (Tom) Brune of Cantrall; fourteen grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert Strode; and several nieces and nephews.

Mildred was born December 2, 1922, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of William and Hazel Denton Strode.

She married Elmer Darling on July 24, 1943, in Springfield, Illinois, and he later preceded her in death in September of 1983.

She was a member of the Cantrall United Methodist Church, where she was the church organist for over 30 years. She was also very active with the local and district level of the United Methodist Women. Mildred volunteered at Memorial Medical Center Pastoral Care for 24 years.

She helped manage the family farm for numerous years and was a caregiver to several family members. Many people considered Mildred as their adopted mom.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 26, 2011, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. An additional visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 10:30 a.m. at the Cantrall United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 27, 2011.

Rev. Jarrett Wells and Rev. Julie Jones, Memorial Medical Center Chaplain, officiating.

Burial will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Cantrall United Methodist Church.