Mildred Irene Strain

Mildred Irene Strain of Belle died Friday, January 27, 2012, in the Delmar Gardens South nursing home. She was 99. Mildred was born on November 10, 1912, at Summerfield. She is the daughter of the late Ray and Amanda Goodman Harris. On May 29, 1937, Mildred was united in marriage to Hadley Strain and to this union one son Kenneth was born. Surviving Mildred is her son Ken and his wife Norma of Imperial, Mo, and their children Shelley Keil with her husband Brent, Misty Masgio with her husband Kris, and Dan Strain. There are five great grandchildren Benjamin, Allison, and Rebecca Keil, and Gianna and Sicilia Masgio. Also surviving is one foster daughter Mary Ann Crider of Union. Mildred is preceded in death by her husband Hadley, a brother Wade, a sister Amy Towell, and three infant brothers Harry, Harold, and Robert. Mildred was a charter member of the Faith Baptist Church, a member of the Eastern Star, Belle Home Builders, and the Retired Teachers Association of Missouri. She was a graduate of Lincoln University and taught school in Belle and surrounding communities for 30 years.The first kindergarten in Belle was started by Mildred in the basement of her home in 1954. After retiring she did much volunteer work in literary reading. Mildred became a Christian in early life and was a member of the Pilot Knob Baptist Church before moving to Belle. She served many years alongside her husband at First Church.