Mildred Harless, of Stanwood, Wash., went to Heaven on Feb. 6, 2017. Mildred Willa Beckwith Harless was born on July 21, 1921, in Seattle to Ivan and Margret Beckwith. She grew up with her siblings Gilbert Beckwith (Eloine) of Renton, Wash., Ruby Koenig (Bill) of Portland, Ore., Esther Hemry (Harold) of Warm Beach, Wash., and Wendell Beckwith (June) of Stanwood, Wash. She spent most her early years growing up on farms where she acquired a love of gardening and of nature. Later, the family moved to Onalaska, Wash. where she graduated valedictorian in 1939. She continued her education at Seattle Pacific College. After three years she moved to Aberdeen to teach school. During the first two years in Aberdeen, she met and fell in love with Ned Harless. They were married on Jan. 1, 1944, in Chehalis, Wash. Mildred received her BA degree from Seattle Pacific during the summer of 1962. She taught off and on for about 13 years. Teaching was interrupted so that she could raise her four children: Ron (Carole) of Aberdeen, Wash., Nancy Bell (Don) of Newcastle, Wash., Linda Collins (Ken) of Everett, Wash., and Dan (Lois) of Kirkland, Wash. Over the years, she was blessed with 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
During those “raising family years” the family was very involved in church activities at Harbor Free Methodist Church in Hoquiam, Wash. Mildred taught Sunday School, adult Bible study classes, was Sunday School superintendent, played the piano for church, and organized many Christmas programs. She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and she wanted others to know Him too.
Travel was an important part of family life. Many trips were made throughout the West, the family camping in the 15 foot travel trailer. National parks were prime targets of these trips. Through these, the love of travel was passed on to her children.
Upon retirement, Mildred began to lead women’s Bible studies, and many women were touched by her teaching. She loved God’s Word, and loved to encourage others to study and to share what they were experiencing in their lives.
When Ned retired, they purchased a motor home and spent winters in the Southwest. They were introduced to SOWERS, an organization of retired tradesmen who helped Christian organizations with building projects. They travelled for several years working with SOWERS, and made many good friends. As time went on, they left the Aberdeen area and moved to Warm Beach Retirement Community. It was there that Ned passed away in September of 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her siblings.
A memorial service will be held at Warm Beach Retirement Community, 20420 Marine Dr. Stanwood, Wash., on Feb. 25, 2017, at 3 p.m.
