Mildred Marie Lawson was called home to be with our Lord and Savior September 16, 2012. She was born July 11, 1932 to Bertha Mae Troutt Lawson and James Franklin (J.F.) Lawson in Jefferson City, Missouri, the youngest of seven children. She grew up a preacher's child, moving from Missouri to Oklahoma and then Oregon at a young age. In the summer of 1949, Millie's father accepted the pastorate at the Church of God in Phillipsburg, Kansas and the family once again relocated finding the climate and rural customs far from those of her beloved Oregon.

It was that summer she was introduced to a young farm boy, Clinton White, in a cornfield just west and a bit south of Agra on what is now known as the "White Place". Clinton and Millie were united in marriage October 28, 1950 in Phillipsburg at the Church of God parsonage by her father J.F. Lawson. They were blessed with four children: LeAnn, Jerry, Katherine and Dianne. In 1955, Clinton and Millie moved from their first home just south of Agra to a newly built home a mile south of Gretna and a quarter east, where they farmed and raised various cattle as well as registered Polled Herefords until the late seventies. Millie enjoyed raising a good many bucket calves. She looked forward to going to the area sale barns and being involved in the daily work on the farm.

Now, the frequent moving of the Lawson family during Millie's childhood caused interruptions in her education. Her high school education ended when she married in 1950 just two years shy of graduation. Millie always believed education was important and after a 37 year absence, she returned to school and earned her GED, accepting her diploma with the Phillipsburg High School graduating class of 1978.
In the late 1990's she enrolled in several computer classes offered through Colby Community College Outreach Program. Most recently her daughters and several of her grandchildren taught her to use a laptop and surf the net. She even learned to use Skype and "Skyped" on a reasonably regular basis with several of her grandchildren and their families.

And, Millie was so very proud of her family. Every one she loved completely and unconditionally. God's love clearly led her heart and her life.

She clearly loved God and country. Extremely patriotic, she was forever grateful to her brothers and grandsons who fought in WWII, Operation Iraqi Freedom and other Iraq missions and in Afghanistan.

She thoroughly loved being outside, nature and its remarkable beauty, and often marveled at the wonders God had created. She treasured the time she spent with her family as well as her church family. Whether at the Church of God where her family holds long, deep roots or with her "other" precious family and many dear friends at Heartland Worship Center, Millie always had a smile and a hug for almost everyone she encountered. A smile, hug, a word of encouragement and positive attitude were all genuine qualities and attributes Millie possessed. And, in the generosity of heart with which she was blessed-in predictable Millie style-she and Clinton served as Greeters at Heartland until a few months before her passing. A mission well suited.

In December 2006, Millie was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her faith in God and His faithfulness endured steadfastly. She often reassured her family and friends by telling us not to worry that God had given her a great sense of peace and assurance that all was well. And all was well with Millie's soul.

She died as she lived-in love, in peace and surrounded by family and friends who loved and respected this truly godly woman.

Millie is survived by her husband, Clinton, of the home; daughter, LeAnn Hunt and husband Randy of Harrisburg, PA; son, Jerry White and daughter in law, Terri, Phillipsburg, KS; daughter, Katherine Stoneman and husband, Mike, Independence, MO; daughter, Dianne Koelzer and husband, Larry of Savannah, MO. Millie is the grandmother of 13 grandchildren and 16 wonderful great grandchildren. She is survived by one sister, Nona Wajhtoeitch of Harvey, IL and one brother, Herman Lawson of Eugene, OR and her joy and faithful companion of the past year and a half, Buddy, the long-haired Chihuahua.

Millie will be sadly missed, but we rejoice as she is certainly in heaven with our Lord, through her steadfast belief in Christ Jesus.

Funeral services will be held Thurs., Sept. 20, at 2:00 p.m. in the Heartland Worship Center, Agra, KS with Pastor Darrell Schmid officiating. Burial will follow in the Agra Cemetery, Agra.
Visitation will be Tues. from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Wed. from 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with the family receiving friends Wed. evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Heartland Worship Center Missions or the Phillips County E.M.S.