Mildred Darlene Warner, age 96, of Kirkwood, Illinois, passed away at 2:50 PM on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at Monmouth Nursing Home. She was born August 18, 1926 in Kirkwood, Illinois, the daughter of Daniel Edgar and Blanche M. (Tweed) Warner. Mildred was raised and educated in Kirkwood, graduating from Kirkwood High School with the Class of 1944.
Mildred was a member of the Candy Stripers barbershop quartet which included her sister Doris, Patricia VanRiper, and Doris Gunter Young. They performed around the country and competed in several international contests in 1949 and 1950. She worked as a slipper at Monmouth Stoneware until she retired. During her career there, she was an active member of the Union, working as Secretary. Mildred became a member of the Kirkwood United Methodist Church in 1938 where she also taught Sunday school for 20 years. For many years, she also sang in the Church Choir. She was a member of the Kirkwood Senior Citizens where she loved to play cards for hours, and in her younger years, delivered meals to the homebound. Mildred joined the Kirkwood Rebekah Lodge in 1944, and later transferred to the Oquawka Lodge. She belonged to the United Methodist Women and the Tompkins Sunshine Unit of Warren County Home and Community Association. Mildred loved to read, do crafts, and complete drawings in coloring books, which she turned into greeting cards.
Mildred is survived by one son, Douglas, daughter in-law Melanie, and a granddaughter Kodi. She is preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, Chester Lee Warner, Roy Dale Warner, Doris Maie Warner (Holford, Sanberg), and Juanita Fern Warner.
A funeral service for Mildred Warner is planned for 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oquawka Cemetery. A memorial fund is being established for Kirkwood Senior Citizens.
