“Bloom where you are planted,” and bloom she did! Mildred Gillett Riley, fondly known as “Fudgie,” passed away peacefully on August 6, 2024 lovingly surrounded by family.
Mildred (105) was born on August 26, 1918 in Hamilton, MO to parents Horace W. and Ina (Adams) Gillett. After graduating from Oakley (KS) High School in 1936, Mildred earned her B.S. in Home Economics Education from Pittsburg State Teachers College in 1940. Mildred married her college sweetheart, Brette Redpath Riley, Jr. in Newport, RI in 1942 where he was training as a naval officer. Mildred was a distinguished member of the Greatest Generation and proudly did her part for the war effort working in a top secret Radiation Laboratory at MIT.
In the 50’s and 60’s she and Brette raised their growing family in Pittsburg, Topeka, St. John, Larned, Dodge City, and Pratt. During the 70’s and 80’s, Mildred taught English at Pratt High School. She traveled the world after retirement. Mildred was a member of Tri Sigma Sorority, Pratt First United Methodist Church/Sarah Guild, P.E.O., AAUW, Contributive Cooking Club, Distaff Investment Club, and numerous bridge clubs. She found great reward in her years spent volunteering at Pratt Regional Medical Center. She also enjoyed golf, cooking, and reading but love of family and gardening were her lifelong passions. She grew many beautiful flowers and vegetables with assistance from her dear friend and helper, Janice Meredith.
Mildred had a deep faith and felt richly blessed. She was also a voracious reader, approached issues in an informed and open-minded manner, and was ever the optimist. She warmly welcomed newcomers, loved entertaining as both a host and guest, and she generously shared the bounty of her gardens. Her family appreciates and will long remember the special trips and birthday cruises she hosted.
Mildred’s family is grateful for Janice Meredith for her loving assistance over several decades. The family also extends sincere thanks to the “heroes” at Pratt Health & Rehab for the care, kindness, and respect shown Mildred over the last eighteen months.
She is survived by: sister, Barbara Gillett (Kay Kotzelnick); and children Brette R. Riley, III (Lynne); Pat (Don) Schwartz; Pam (Bill) Knepp: and Jeff (Kathleen) Riley. She was a loving “G.G.” to nine grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: parents, Horace W. and Ina (Adams) Gillett; husband Brette R. Riley, Jr.; siblings Erma Gillett (Teichgraeber), Jean Gillett, William Gillett, and James Gillett; and grandson Joseph P. Riley.
Mildred will be greatly missed and forever treasured by her large family and many friends.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be at the Pratt First United Methodist Church on October 12, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Pratt Regional Medical Center Foundation or First United Methodist Church 50/50 Class.