Mildred A. Stoddard

Mildred A. Stoddard of Kissimmee, FL died January 24, 2017, in Tulsa, OK where she had lived near her daughter and son-in-law since 2008. Millie was born February 17, 1921, at Cedar Crest Farm near Ransom, KS in the home of her parents, Charles and Lura Stutzman. She was the fifth of eight children and is survived by a sister, Dottie Walters of Scottsdale, AR; a brother, Dr. Ray Stutzman and his wife Loretta of Potomac Falls, VA; and a sister, Velma McConnel and her husband Cal of Portland, OR. Millie attended Ft. Hays College and graduated from Kansas State University in 1943 with a degree in Home Economics. There she met the love of her life, Edward Stoddard, who was a veterinary student at KSU. He was called into the Army Air Corp when he graduated and was stationed in Homestead, FL. Millie followed after she graduated and they were married June 4, 1943. After WWII Ed took a position teaching veterinary medicine at Oregon State University and then moved to teach at the University of Georgia. Their dream was for Ed to have his own veterinary clinic. So, in 1953 they moved back to sunny Miami to start his private practice with Millie working beside him for 15 years until they sold the clinic due to his declining health. He then took a job with the State of Florida's Diagnostic Lab in Kissimmee, FL until his retirement. He died in 2001. When they moved to Kissimmee, Millie put her education to use as a home economics teacher in Osceola High School where she taught for many years. She received many awards for her service from the school and the community. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Kissimmee where she made beautiful banners to hang in the sanctuary and helped with wedding receptions and funerals. She also enjoyed being active in her church circle. Millie was a member of the Retired Teacher's Association, receiving the Retired Teacher of the Year Award. Another favorite activity was being involved with Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacher's sorority. Ed and she helped organize Toho Friends, a walking group. After retiring, Ed and Millie toured all over the United States and Europe. They were able to see their children and grandchildren more often and admired their accomplishments. She is survived by her daughter, Sheryl Wiruth and her husband, Robert of Tulsa, OK; son, Dr. Donald Stoddard, M.D. of Longwood, FL; four grandchildren, Tiffany Brooks and her husband Byron of Ridgefield, CT, Brent Wiruth and his wife Angie, of Arvada, CO; Jennifer Hatchitt and her husband Justin, of Orlando FL; and Matthew Stoddard of Toronto, Canada. Millie is also survived by four great grandsons; Read and Cashier Brooks, and Cameron and Carson Wiruth; and, two great granddaughters Avery and Scarlett Hatchitt. A memorial service will be held at Inverness Village Founder's Hall in Tulsa, OK, Friday, January 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM and a graveside family service will take place at the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL Donations in Millie's memory may be made to: Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011. Please, indicate "for Research."

Mildred A. Stoddard

February 17, 1921 - January 24, 2017