Mildred Rodriguez

Mildred Irene (Ketron) Rodriguez went to heavenly rest on January 20, 2003 at Ashton Court Care Center in Liberty, MO, following another stroke. In accordance with her wishes, there will be a cremation, no memorial service, and her ashes will be buried in Evergreen Cemetery, DeWitt, MO. The family would appreciate cards or any other expressions of sympathy be sent to 400 Smiley Road, Liberty, MO 64068. Mildred was born in Tina, then moved to DeWitt, where she lived and went to school until adulthood, when she left to travel with a carnival. Later she entered what was to become her lifelong profession, that of a seamstress. Mildred worked at a number of garment factories; she worked the longest at Mendel’s, until it closed. For the next several years, Mildred worked as an independent contractor for several employers. Decreasing vision had kept her from sewing professionally in the last few years, but Mildred always had time to sew Girl Scouts badges on uniforms for her niece. During the last 11 years, Mildred had also cared for her great- nieces when they were babies. Mildred survived the deaths of many members of her family, including her father George, her mother Wilda,and sisters Dolly, Ruth, Doris, and Marjorie. She is survived by her brother, William Ketron, of Henrietta, MO. Mildred leaves behind many others who will miss her very deeply, most especially the family she lived with after falling and breaking her hip, the niece she raised as a daughter, and her husband Mike. Mildred has also left behind her sons Ron and Scott Steward of KnobNoster, MO. Mildred was very proud of her great-grandchildren, Ashley, Madison, Tyler, and Sarah. A number of cousins, nieces, and nephews are also among those left behind. Mildred was privileged to have had many friends in her life, most especially Emogene Bryant and Connie Martell. Known as “Aunt Mil” to almost everyone, Mildred’s life was a testament to choosing to love above all other things. It would be the greatest tribute to her life if everyone who wants to honor her memory would go home and hug everyone they love. Saying ’I love you’ often was the greatest gift she gave us, and she more than earned her rest by alwaysgiving love to all of us. Aunt Mil always gave much more than she ever received, and we are fortunate to have had her in our lives.