Imagine the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, and you’ll have entered Mildred’s earthly kitchen. After 98 years of cooking, baking, milking, crafting, singing at St. Severin Church as a wedding soloist, scolding her children, and smiling through even the most difficult times, Mildred gracefully passed away on Monday, March 11, 2024.
Born on December 18, 1925, to Ludwig and Johanna (Dreher) Pfannenstiel in Hays, Kansas at St. Anthony Hospital, Mildred’s vocal inclination caused her to be placed in a utility closet, an attempt to save the nurse’s ears. Talented enough to be a soloist, intelligent enough to be a meteorologist, and lovely enough to be a May Queen candidate (two of which came to fruition), our beloved mother followed her heart and married her blue-eyed boyfriend from Catherine. Six months after graduating from Marian High School, she entered into marriage with Delbert Walters on October 30, 1943. To this union they welcomed six children: Gerald (Margie Rohr) Hays, Kansas; Anthony (Sheila Jacobs) Peoria, Arizona; Joanne Walters, Arvada, Colorado; Ruth (Joseph Dreher) Olathe, Kansas; Keith (Laura Pogue) Pleasantville, TX; and Carol Davis, Haslet, TX.
Mildred and Delbert established their dairy farm near Severin, where they grew their herd of Holstein milk cows to 75 before retiring from milking in 1981 and farming in 1991. Being socially inclined, Mildred volunteered at Hays Medical Center’s gift shop for many years. She participated as an active member of the Buckeye Ladies Club, the Daughters of Isabella for 25 years, and was a devoted member of St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church.
In her free time, Mildred loved playing cards with her Pinocle group, stitching beautiful works of art (be they needlepoint, cross stitch, embroidery, crochet, knitting, or sewing), and visiting her children and grandchildren from Colorado to Texas or cross country from New York to California. Always ready to play cards, Aggravation, Simon Says, or any game she thought she could win, Momma Mildred entertained her grandchildren with her youthful competitiveness. They loved her for it and still do! One time she stayed up until 3:00 am playing Aggravation and beating the socks off three of her grandchildren.
Mildred is survived by all six of her children and their spouses. In addition, she is survived by 15 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Gerald’s children and grandchildren include Jennifer Husselman (Chris) and sons Lance and Caleb; Jolene Wellbrock (Steven, deceased) and daughter Anna; Janelle Williams and daughters Alyssa and Amaya; and wife of the late Craig Walters (Cindy) and children Clayton and Crystal. Anthony’s children and grandchildren include Christa Kazell (Randal) and sons Jack Ketchum (Britany) and Jacob Ketchum. Joanne’s children and grandchildren include Alan Basgall (Linda) and stepson Cody; Kimberly Ohlson (Jeff) and children Cody, Shelby, and Tariana; Scott Basgall (Ingrid) and children Henry, Annika, and Heidi; Brent Basgall (Jordan) and children Gunner, Corbin, and Isabella. Ruth’s children and grandchildren include Traci Quigley (Patrick) and children Phineas, Griffin, and Eleanora; and Tonya Dreher-Long (Paul) and son Elliott Long. Keith’s children include Luke and Alexandra Walters. Carol’s children include Michael Barry, Bryce and Lauren Davis.
Mildred’s parents, siblings, husband, and three grandchildren (Curtis, Craig, and Jessica Walters) preceded her in death.
We are so thankful for the amazing care Mom received from the Hospice nurses at HaysMed, especially Kristen. Also, a special thank you to Cindy Walters (wife of the late Craig Walters) and Anna Wellbrock (daughter of Jolene Wellbrock). Because of the tender loving care you both showed Mildred (Mom, Momma Mildred, or Grandma), her latter life improved tenfold.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church with Fr. Damian Richards officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Friday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Saturday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service and rosary will be at 7:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Nicholas of Myra Catholic Church. Condolences and memories of Mildred may be shared with her family at www.haysmemorial.com