Mildred Filley

Mildred Laverne Filley was the best of us. The epitome of the greatest generation and what we all want to be. A survivor of more hardships than most of us will ever see in our lives. But she never saw it that way, always telling us she was the luckiest old lady. We are the lucky ones. She talked about her life and ours. Talked about how she went on because there was no choice, that is just what you did. Talked about adapting to life as it came. She gave us love, strength, advice and all the wisdom of her experience. We have lost our matriarch and nothing will ever be quite the same. Now we have to tell her stories, her sayings, her life story. It is too valuable to let fade away. We will stay strong Gran. We will remember what you taught us and never let it go. We will pass it on to future generations. Thank you for staying with us, you knew we needed you and you were right. But don’t worry, you made us strong. Your resilience will come out in us. You enjoy your time with Grandpa and we will do our best to make you proud.

Mildred “Millie” Laverne Filley, 103, went to be with her Lord on December 25th, 2020 surrounded by love. She was born on February 18th, 1917 in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Adlof and Florence Mogren. She married the love of her life, Ralph Filley, on May 18th, 1940.

She is survived by children Judith Filley, Lois (Fred) Bauer and Larry (Judith) Filley. Grandchildren Lincoln (Amanda) Bauer, Sheila Bauer, Michelle Bauer, Rachel (Francis) Cleary and Jessica Filley. Great- Grandchildren Lauren Fogg, Camille Fogg, Greyland Bauer, Jetten Bauer, Zach Patton, Anna Patton and Caleb Cleary.

She was predeceased in death by beloved and wonderful husband Ralph Ray Filley, parents Adolf and Florence Mogren, sisters Adeline Trueblood and Eleanor Amberg, and brother Edward Mogren.

The family will be holding a small graveside memorial next summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland.