Mildred “Millie” Ethel Svenson
On the afternoon of November 27, 2022, Mildred passed peacefully away surrounded by her family at Riverstone Hospice House in Billings, Montana. Millie was 89 years old.
Millie was born on August 2, 1933, in Brusett, Montana. She was the eldest child and only daughter of Niles and Clara Stanton. She told us her dad always called her “princess.” She struggled with not being the only child at first, so much so that her little brother Neil often got the brunt of her displeasure. By the time baby brother Tom joined the family, she was ready to be a big sister. Though separated by miles she always loved her brothers and kept in touch.
Mildred grew up on the family ranch near Brusett, Montana. She attended Blackfoot and Greenridge school for elementary. She then attended high school in Jordan and lived in the dormitory during her high school years. She enjoyed going to the movies with friends.
On June 3, 1951, Millie married Martin Svenson at her parents’ home. Martin was a carpenter by trade. Millie was often by his side helping on his job sites, cleaning up after her craftsman and feeding his crews.
Martin and Millie enjoyed living in several places throughout their years together. They lived in Glendive when their girls Marilyn and Myrna were little. While the family was living in Miles City, daughter Mavis was born. Shortly after moving to Hardin their only son Marvin joined the family. Martin and Millie moved to Forsyth when they became empty nesters. Martin continued to work part time as a carpenter, while Millie made pies at Top That Eatery for more than 15 years. Millie loved her lunches with the girls, after her shift was over, and often had strawberry milk to wash it down. Their final move as a couple was to Joliet to live with Marvin and his family.
Mildred was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1957. Martin and Millie both did their best to live by Bible Standards and volunteered their time to share encouraging scriptures, and God’s promise of eternal life under paradise conditions. They both felt this was their most important legacy.
If you stopped at the Svenson house, you could be assured of two things; being offered a hot cup of coffee and lively conversation. Martin and Millie loved company. They frequently invited more guests than their home could hold, but no one ever went away hungry. It was not unusual for Martin and Millie to have extra people stay with them. Their door was always open. They may not have had much, but they always shared what they had, and made everyone feel welcome.
Millie was a collector. She loved filling their home with her favorite things, house plants, Knick knacks, her unique earrings, salt, and pepper shakers. Mildred’s interest in salt and pepper shakers started at home, watching her mom grow her collection. Family and friends often brought Millie home a set as a souvenir from their travels. Millie’s hobby of going to yard sales frequently added to her extensive collection as well.
Millie didn’t think of herself as an artist, but she was very creative. She enjoyed crocheting. Millie loved to write poems. She was an experienced cake decorator. Millie made many cakes over the years, for graduations, anniversaries, and weddings. A labor of love she frequently shared with her sister-in-law, Claudia. We were always amazed at how quickly she could spin frosting into roses to adorn cakes. She tried to train her girls and granddaughters, but none had the touch she did. A few friends have learned the secret at her table and continue this tradition. To this day we all love the smell of cake, and Martin particularly enjoyed when one cake was not considered good enough and he got to have unplanned dessert.
In recent years Millie enjoyed putting puzzles together. She seemed to always be ready for a new one. Millie enjoyed having friends visit and add a piece or two to her current project, while she caught up on the latest news.
Millie was preceded in death by her devoted husband of seventy years, Martin, her parents, Niles and Clara Stanton, baby brother Niles Jr., beloved Aunt and friend Maud, her sisters-in-law Betty Bozarth, Marge Edsel, Ruth Sturtz, Brother-in-law Bill Haney, her twin great granddaughters Zoemi’ and Zelda Pineda, great-great-grandson Jasper Martin Jones. She was also preceded in death by her nephews, Tommy Stanton, Richard, Billy, and David Haney, Keith, and Merle Edsel; and niece, Lisa Haney.
Millie is survived by her children Marilyn (Bill) O’Neill, Myrna (Gary) Baker, Mavis (Bud) Redden and Marvin (Tamira) Svenson, 13 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and one great great-grandson. Mildred is survived by her brothers Neil (Phyllis) Stanton, Tom (Claudia) Stanton, Sister-in-law Lou Haney, Brother-in-law Bennie (Shirley) Svenson, many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
As a family we draw comfort from Jesus words recorded at John 5:28, 29: “for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life.” Many of you dear friends have come to know and love Millie as we do, continue to build your faith, and treasure your “Millie stories.”
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Linda Estes says
To all of Mildred’s family. Sorry to see this. Your mom and dad are together again. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this time.
Robert says
I appreciate these thoughtful long memories of people even though I did not know them……thank you
to describe others lives also describes our own….
Lynn D Stanton says
To Mildred’s family, I didn’t know Mildred very well. My husband Delbert always enjoyed visiting with her and family when they would come to Brusett. It is always had to let those we love go. My heart and prayers are with her family.
Vicky Fink says
To Millie’s family…so sorry to hear of Millie’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with her at Top That and eating the goodies she made which were always delicious! She was such a friendly person and hardworker. Take care. RIP Millie.
Janet & Rachel Stanhope says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Millie was a very sweet, kind person who will be missed. We send all our prayers your way during this difficult time.
Larry and Mickey Rose says
Our hearts go out to all of Millie’s family. Martin and Millie were wonderful friends for over fifty years. We have many memories of working and visiting with them. When they are resurrected into Jehovah’s new Kingdom may they have wonderful joy——and not the dish soap. (one of the many laughs through their lives.) Our regret is that we didn’t get to visit with them more the past few years. Old age got in the way. We loved Millie and cherished her giving spirit. She left us all with many, many happy memories.
Susan Joy says
I loved working and visiting with Millie. She always had a smile on her face and was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. She will be missed but always loved.
Joyce Hain says
Millie had a great sense of humor. She was a wonderful pioneer partner and great Bible teacher. She radiated joy when seeing her students understand the lessons, comfort and hope for perfect life on our earth restored to paradise in the Bible. Her good works are loved and fondly remembered. Awaiting and eagerly anticipating her resurrection with all of you in her dear family and congregation family. Prayers, lots of Love & 🧸 Hugs
Marcia Burrows says
Marcia Burrows
To Millie’s Family…. I’m so sorry to hear of Millie’s passing. I have some beautiful “Millie Stories” about this beautiful woman. As Marilyn’s roommate, she included me as one of her children. She even ask Martin to pray with me at times. She did an amazing job on my wedding cake!! I have ALWAYS concidered her as a gift from Jehovah as a spiritual Mom… I’m looking forward to her and Martin’s resurrection party, hopefully Very VERY soon
Hazel Stabler says
To Millie’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. Millie was my classmate and I never knew what happened to her. I wish I had known she lived in Forsyth for awhile. She was a lovely person.