Forney, Mildred E. Wurmnest (1907-1974)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1975 Jan 16 p. 11

Birth date: 1907 Jan 24

text of obituary:

MILDRED E. FORNEY

Mildred E. Forney was born on Jan. 24, 1907, to Emil and Katie V. (Barber) Wurmnest on the Unsicker Homestead near Morton, Ill. She attended the Cooper School near her home and Washington Community High School, Washington, Ill., from which she graduated in 1924.

She was baptized at the South Washington Mennonite Church on March 17, 1918 by Rev. John J. Kennel. She was a member there until her marriage when she transferred her membership to Flanagan Mennonite Church. At Flanagan Mennonite she was pianist for 40 years and served as church treasurer for 15 years. She also was a member of the Ladies Aid.

Mildred E. Wurmnest and Ralph A. Forney were married on Jan. 4, 1928 at her home by Rev. John J. Kennel. They settled on the Aaron Forney farm near Graymont where they lived until 1955 when they moved to a smaller home near the home farm. Here Mildred lived until Dec. 6, 1974 when she was taken to St. James Hospital, Pontiac, Ill., where she died that evening.

She is survived by her husband, one son, Paul, and one daughter, Mary Estes, all of Graymont, and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Milton E. Wurmnest; one sister, Hilda Wurmnest Bell; and one daughter. Her family meant a lot to Mildred and she was able to be very close to her children and all her grandchildren.

She was active in community affairs, being a member of the Homemakers Extension Program and a 4-H leader. In 1964 Mildred started to work as a bookkeeper for the Meadows Mennonite Home for the Aged and faithfully served there for 10 years, not only as bookkeeper but as a secretary and receptionist. She retired in January 1974. She always enjoyed her work there and gave freely of her time and talents to the Home.

The funeral was held at the Flanagan Mennonite Church on Dec. 9, Rev. Lotus E. Troyer officiating. Burial was in Pike Cemetery near the home where she had lived for 47 years.