Mildred Eardene West

Mildred Eardene West, 82, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, resident of Lawrence, IN, passed away at Westminster Village North on March 20, 2024. She was recently hospitalized in January and February.

The hospice chaplain prayed for her along with her daughter and granddaughter for the final time on Wednesday morning.

Mildred was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky on March 7, 1942, the daughter of John V. Miller and Dora Miller both from Bowling Green, Kentucky. She is survived by four siblings.

Mildred is survived by her three children, Judy D. Hilkert: Legal Guardian (Children - Madison) (Lawrence, IN), Alice J. Rigsby (John D. Rigsby) (Children - Jannina, John, Jeremy, Jamie, and Jessica) Bowling Green, KY),

Ronnie D. Miller (Rita K. Miller) Children - Amy, and Justin) (Bowling Green, KY), and several great-grandchildren.

Mildred is survived by a tremendous multitude of family and friends. Gratefully, there are too many to be mentioned by name. She will be sorely missed by all.

Mildred was predeceased by many of her close relatives and friends.

Mildred’s grandson, Adam K. Hilkert, an active duty US Army Captain passed away on February 20, 2024. Mildred passed away on March 20, 2024. Mildred and Adam will have their viewings and funeral services together. The divine timing of them passing away on the 20th day, and the schedule aligning for this to occur is an indication that there is something special about them and their bond.

Mildred’s caring granddaughter, and Adam’s adored sister Madison K. Mosher (Lawrence, IN) was a loyal caregiver and companion to her Grandmother. She saw her as much as possible, and kept her nurtured with activities. She was her advocate when necessary, and stayed by her side when she was ill.

Mildred was a woman that was resilient in strength, and overcame obstacles to live her best life. She liked to have visitors, and loved to be with her dog, Bailey. Mildred was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s, but she recalled her family by name. She was known by many names. She had been known as Eardene by her family in Kentucky, Mildred in her professional life and later years, and Miss Millie by her friends at memory care. She was a devoted church attendee, and was one of their best readers during services. It pleased her to watch birds, and to visit the bird aviary. She was an avid Uno player/winner. Bingo was her game. She collected an abundance of prizes each week during bingo events.

Mildred wanted to be a part of everything. She made friends wherever she went, people enjoyed seeing her, and hearing about her escapades. She always had a catchy comment. Friends wanted to hear her colloquialisms voiced in her southern drawl.

Mildred was a manager and retiree of Beech Grove Meadows (Beech Grove, IN). She and her late husband, Robert G. West, owned and managed properties at Chatham Arch prior to her joining the professional workforce. She worked part-time concessions for the Indianapolis Colt’s. She enjoyed watching their home games. She was a big fan of the Indiana Pacers. She could play Pac Man like a champ.

Mildred had a passion for collecting items at thrift stores, yard sales, and antique malls. She was an avid gardener that could grow almost anything. You could always find tomatoes ripening on the counter. She enjoyed canning food, and baking desserts. She liked everything vanilla. A vanilla shake, ice cream, or pudding delighted her.

Mildred volunteered with HIV/Aids patients. She liked to volunteer at church.

Mildred’s art projects decorated her walls. She especially liked to paint garden stones, and decorate/build bird houses.

She loved the color blue. If given the option of choosing a color, it was guaranteed to be blue.

Memorial Contributions:

Remembrances for Mildred may be offered in any form desired by friends. Flowers are welcome; the family is grateful to receive them at Flanner Buchanan-Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46250 for the visitation. Flanner Buchanan will transport the flowers to the church for funeral services. The family will appreciate the tribute and the family has arranged to transport and donate the flowers later to memory care residents in her honor. Mildred would have loved your thoughtfulness, and the memory care residents will appreciate your kindness.

If interested, memorial contributions to honor Mildred may be made to (LBDA) Lewy Body Dementia Association, Inc. (https://www.lbda.org/donate/ (https://www.lbda.org/donate/)) Mildred was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s, a progressive disease without a cure.

Mildred was Always Loving, and Always Loved.

Quotations:

    • Mildred West, “I’m very glad to see you.”

    • Proverbs 31:25-28. “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does

not eat the bread of idleness.”

The lives of Mildred and her grandson, Adam Kendall Hilkert, are being celebrated concurrently. His obituary can be viewed HERE