Mildred Imogene Vaneck

Mildred VanEck
Mildred Imogene (Simmons) VanEck, age 91, passed away November 7, 2009 at Mercy Hospital in Centerville, IA. Mildred was born August 3, 1918 to John and Ellen (Bell) Simmons in rural Putnam County, MO. After completing her education, she moved to the Pleasantville, IA area to do domestic work. This is when she met Earl VanEck and the couple later married on February 26, 1942. To this union, three children were born: Dixie Ellen (Boyd) Lambert, Judy Kay Valentine, and Johnnie Earl (JoAnn) VanEck. The couple made their home on a dairy farm near Melcher, IA and lived on that farm until they moved to Unionville, MO in 1990. Mildred loved to stay busy and some of her favorite past-times included making beautiful crocheted items, gardening, and cooking.
Mildred was a very special lady and was loved deeply by her grandchildren: Jodie (Brad) Reeh, Todd (Carrie) Bingham, Gina (Jim) Heins, Robin (Don) Peck, Rex Lambert, Kimberly (Dave) Rodrick, Kevin (Rene) Valentine, Josh (Angie) VanEck, Jonathan VanEck, and Jeremy VanEck. In addition, 23 great grandchildren will dearly miss their grandma.
Also surviving are many nephews and nieces including Virginia VanGorp and Elaine Houseal, who were very special to Mildred.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Earl (June 24, 2003); sisters Marie Blythe and Louise Hill; brothers Vier Simmons, William “Bud” Simmons, and James Simmons; son-in-law Howard Valentine; family friend Bill Brown; nephews Harold Blythe, Marvin McDonald, and David Simmons.
Memorials for Mildred are suggested to the Legacies Foundation Hospice Room and may be entrusted to the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.