Mildred R. Early

Mildred R. Early of St. James, Missouri was born Monday, March 30, 1925 at Alton, Illinois to the union of Albert and Elizabeth (Nee: Vahle) Doerr and left from this life, surrounded by her family, on Sunday, July 9, 2017 at her home in St. James at the age of 92 years. Mildred graduated from the Alton High School, Alton, Illinois. On June 1, 1947, in Alton, she was united in marriage to Curtis Early and they became the proud parents of Janis, Elaine, Jody and Kathy. Mildred spent her life taking care of her family and home. Her fried chicken was the best in the world. She spent hours sewing, putting together puzzles and listening to music. In 1995 Mildred got a hole in one at the Cuba Lakes Golf Course. She played bridge for years, collected cardinal birds and was a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinal's. What Mildred loved most in life was spending time with her family and friends. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, great aunt and friend of many. She will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Curtis Early, parents Albert and Elizabeth Doerr, two brothers Herman and wife Dorothy Doerr and Walter Doerr, three sisters Lorraine and husband Bud LaPelle, Dorothy Ridder and Margaret McCoy and other family and friends. Those who are left to treasure her memory and to continue her legacy are her loving children; Janis and husband Bernard Wylie of St. James, Elaine and husband Bill Harlan of St. James, Jody Brogley of St. James and Kathy and husband Joe Bitzer of St. James, eight grandchildren; Michael and wife Heather Wylie of St. Louis, Ben and wife Laura Wylie of San Francisco, California, Ryan Wylie of San Francisco, California, William "Will" and wife Emily Harlan of Ashville, North Carolina, Jill and husband Paul Pryz of Champaign, Illinois, Sarah and husband Brian Busby of Dallas, Texas, Becky Bitzer of Anchorage, Alaska and Brian Bitzer of Washington, Missouri, fifteen great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. No public services will be held and in keeping with Mildred's wishes she was cremated. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Best Friends.org in Mildred's memory. The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving Mildred's family.