Mildred Marie Olden

Mildred Marie Olden, age 102, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2021 at Healthcare Resort of Topeka. Mildred was born November 27, 1918 on the family farm east of Denison, KS the daughter of Clarence and Lillie (Tosh) Gilleece. She grew up on the farm, attending Denison schools before graduating from Valley Falls High School in 1936. She married Harold “Charles” Olden November 5, 1940.

Mildred was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Topeka for over 75 years. She was a lifetime member of the Community Concert, a member of Pleasant Hill H.D.U., Indian Creek Grange, Artists Associated and was a project leader for 4-H.   She helped many young girls learn to cook and sew. After staying home to raise the four children, she went to work with Decorama Home Interiors, Modern American Insurance and retired from the State of Kansas.

One of Mom’s favorite activities was going on drives on back roads less travelled to enjoy nature and the beautiful outdoors. These rides were inspiration for her creativity in writing, drawing and oil painting. Many friends and family were blessed with a painting from Mildred.

A vegetable garden was always a lifelong passion and provided nutritious meals for her family. Canning and freezing vegetables and fruit were an annual occurrence. Flower gardens and mowing her yard were outdoor activities that she enjoyed immensely.   After a busy day in the garden, she would relax and enjoy a good book, a crossword puzzle, working on a quilt or piece of embroidery. She was an excellent cook and hosted all family holiday celebrations up into her 90’s. Her grandchildren were a joy to her and time spent with her provided many fond memories!

Her days began with a 1 or 2-mile walk and continued well into her 90’s-- she was an inspiration to us all!

She enjoyed helping others and volunteered at the Topeka Rescue Mission for years.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Charles on November 17, 1971; two sons, Gary Olden and Roger Olden; a sister, Dorothy Yvonne Swope; a brother, Veryle Dean Gilleece.

She is survived by two daughters, Carolyn (Larry) Miller of Topeka and Joan (Joe) Haefele of Topeka; a brother, Vernon Gilleece of Carrollton, TX; three grandchildren, Kristi Miller, Melanie Miller and Travis (Kim Elkins) Olden and one great grandson, Evan Olden, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff at Health Care Resort for their loving and compassionate care over the past four years.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. Please enter the church under the Welcome sign on the west side of the church. The funeral service can be viewed live on the church website which is www.forthegoodofthecity.org Memorial contributions may be made to KTWU and sent in care of the Davidson Funeral Home. davidsonfuneral.com