Funk, Doris E. Mills (1915-2003)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2003 Mar 17 p. 11

Birth date: 1915 Jul 27

text of obituary:

DORIS E. MILLS FUNK

Doris E. Mills Funk, 87, of Aberdeen, Idaho, died Jan. 31, 2003, at a health care facility in Pocatello.

She was born July 27, 1915, to Clarence Hugh and Myrtle Bashaw Mills in Spokane, Wash. After several years in Oregon, they moved to the Medicine Hat, Alta., area to farm. They then moved to Corvallis, Ore., where she spent most of her school years.

She was a vocal soloist, often singing live on the radio in the Corvallis and Albany area.

While attending her church near the campus of Oregon State University, she met her future husband, Alvin Funk. They were married Aug. 31, 1934. That same year they both graduated; she from high school and he from college.

After their marriage they made their home in Aberdeen, raising three children, being active in the community and the Mennonite church, which they loved so much.

This period was interrupted by World War II, when he was called to military service. In his absence, she was appointed to fill his position as postmaster in Aberdeen.

When her children were a little older, she became a correspondent for the Salt Lake Tribune, Idaho State Journal and The Aberdeen Times, writing special articles. She taught ceramics classes at her home and hosted bridge club games.

After her children grew up, she went into nursing and entered the program at St. Anthony Hospital, receiving her LPN in 1964. She was a nurse at Harms Memorial Hospital in American Falls.

Survivors include her children, Janice Edmonds of Pocatello, Myrtle "Marty" Freeburne and her husband, Jerry, of Aberdeen, and Dean and his wife, Sharon, of Pocatello; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Betty Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Alvin; and two brothers, Dean and Kelly.

Funeral services were held at First Mennonite Church in Aberdeen. Burial was in Homestead Cemetery.