Mildred Ruth Handley (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Mildred Ruth Handley, daughter of Lee Virgil and Dollie Williams Blankenship, was born July 31, 1926, near Lynchburg, Missouri. She departed this life Saturday, December 6, 2014, in Sunset Healthcare, in Union, Missouri, at the age of eighty-eight years, four months, and five days.
On November 1, 1943, she was united in marriage to Junior Leland Handley, and to this union two daughters and one son were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of sixty-one years, Junior, on April 13, 2005; three brothers, Lee Virgil Blankenship, Jr., and Charles Blankenship, and Arthur Leroy Blankenship; and a sister, Mary Ellen Nettles.
Mildred is survived by two daughters, Rosalee Baker, and her husband, Bobby, of Rolla, Missouri, and Doris McClure, and her husband, James, of Falcon, Missouri; a son, Stanley Handley, and his wife, Janet, of Falcon, Missouri; five grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Roland Blankenship, and his wife, Joann of Stockton, Missouri; a sister, Della Ross, and her husband, Charles, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Lynchburg community, where she received her education. After she and Junior were married, they made their home near Lynchburg, and lovingly raised their children. Throughout the years, Mildred was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family, and also worked as a sales clerk at the Lynchburg store for a number of years.
Mildred made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was a longtime member of Pine Creek Baptist Church. She remained active in her church for as long as her health allowed.
In her spare time she enjoyed gardening and working jigsaw puzzles. Her family was always at the center of her life and she especially enjoyed all of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed visiting with her neighbors and friends. She was steadfast in her convictions and was well liked by everyone.
Mildred was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her eighty-eight years.
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