Mildred Vanderford

Mildred Elizabeth Vanderford, youngest child of Fremont & Emma (Chavey) Jodry, was born January 14, 1913 near Auburn, Nebraska. She lived in the Highland neighborhood, attended Highland School, and graduated from Auburn High School. Mildred continued her schooling at Peru State Teachers College, where she graduated with a teaching degree. She taught 1 year at Center School and 6 years in Auburn.

On June 6, 1940, Mildred was united in marriage to Sterling Vanderford at Coryell Park. To this union, a daughter Jacqueline Sue was born.

She was baptized on April 17, 1938 at the Auburn Christian Church. Mildred became a member of Bethel Community Church on July 1, 1956. She was active in various organizations and clubs, including Bethel Woman’s Club, Sunshine Extension Club, and Highland Club. She loved to play games: Scrabble, Rummikub, and Phase 10 being some of her favorites. Mildred enjoyed gardening and baking, and will always be remembered for hosting Sunday dinner at her house and her famous “monkey bread.”

In January of 2014, Mildred entered the Good Samaritan Society~Auburn, and it is there she passed away on Wednesday, February 1, 2017, having reached the age of 104 years and 16 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Sterling, brother Harold (Marie) Jodry, sister Amber (Hanson) Aldrich and other family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughter and son-in-law Sue and Dan Hodges of Julian; grandchildren Michael (Christy) Hodges of Julian; Timothy (Jennifer) Hodges of Gretna; Emily (Blane) Anthony of Brock; great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Abigail, Liam, Andrew, Ainsley, Gretchen, Caleb, Kallan, Craig, & Baylor; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service was held Monday, February 6, 2017 at Bethel Community Church, with Rev. Terry Weible and Rhonda Boeckman officiating. Deanne Gerking was pianist and accompanist for solos by Nate Powell. Casket bearers were Michael Hodges, Timothy Hodges, Blane Anthony, Pat Hodges, Ken Rogge, and Marty Hayes. Joyce Able, Ardie Chapin, and Lila Meyerkorth served as flower attendants. Burial followed in London Cemetery near Auburn.