MILDRED FULHAGE

Mildred Fulhage, 96, a schoolteacher for 41 years, who retired in 1977 as coordinator of music for Kansas City, KS, schools, died at Claridge Court Retirement Home. "I had 93 good years," Ms. Fulhage often said after she was disabled by a series of strokes that began three years ago. Even while teaching she completed a Master's degree at Columbia University in New York. Beyond the age of 90, she was still volunteer teaching English as a second language. Until the last days before her death, she never lost her clarity of mind. She was the granddaughter of William Fulhage, who in the 1870s homesteaded a farm at Yates Center, KS, and daughter of August and Julia Fulhage. August lived his entire life on that land. Born there herself along with her sister, Dorothy, Mildred attended public schools in Woodson County and graduated with a B. S. in music from Emporia State University. In 1938 she joined schools in Thayer and Cedar Vale, KS, as vocal music instructor. A 1994 Sedan, KS, newspaper article reported her nomination for the Chautauqua County Honor Roll. In it a former student, Don Cox, spoke as if directly to her, recalling her instruction. "Glee clubs, mixed choruses, quartets, trios and every conceivable ensemble we had," he said. "Yes, you even had junior high school students give a complete Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, and we didn't embarrass ourselves." In 1942 she joined the teaching staff in Kansas City, where she taught for 35 years. Just five months before her death, former students from 50 years ago sang Christmas carols for a delighted Ms. Fulhage in her room at Claridge Court. She was a member of the P. E. O. Sisterhood, Sigma Alpha Iota Music Fraternity and St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Mission. Cousins survive. Graveside services will be in the Yates Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please offer a gift to a favorite charity. Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arr: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444 Porter Funeral Homes and Crematory