Mildred Elizabeth Corey

Mildred Corey Obituary

Mildred Elizabeth Corey Battle Creek Mildred E. Corey, 93 of Battle Creek, began volunteering in the Master's heavenly gardens, December 27, 2009. Family was at her side as she made her transition. "Mille" was born February 13, 1916 in Portland, Oregon, to Edward and Elizabeth (Anderson) Kurzit. The family moved to Stephenson, Michigan, where Mildred graduated from Stephenson High School. After high school she attended fashion design school and was a seamstress in Chicago before marrying high school classmate, H. Kenneth Corey on May 25, 1940. The couple owned Coralan Farm, an award-winning dairy farm in the Upper Peninsula. The Coreys were leaders in agriculture. Mille helped found the Extension programs for women in Menominee County, was a 4-H leader for 35 years and a founding member of the Menominee County 4-H Foundation and its endowment. In 1971 she represented Michigan at the Associated Countrywomen of the World meeting in Oslo, Norway. After the Coreys moved to Battle Creek in 1991, Mille became a Master Gardener and was a dedicated volunteer of the Leila Arboretum Society and the Veteran's Administration, where she worked in the greenhouse and mended flags. She volunteered until age 92 and received the Arboretum's 2008 Silver Trowel Award, honoring a volunteer. Mille Corey was the first woman chosen for the Menominee County Farm Bureau Women's Hall of Fame. In 2006 she received the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring individuals who have made service a way of life. She and Ken were named to the Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame in 1993. Surviving are daughters, Judith E. (Robert) Cappiello, Ovid, June K. (Gerald) Troyer, Flint, and Jan Corey (Doyle) Arnett, Battle Creek; six grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. Many devoted friends referred to her as their adopted mom. Preceding her in death were her husband; daughters, Melody Sue Corey and Lois N. (Henry) Porras; brothers, Edward and Alfred Palmer; and sister, Lucy (Herbert) Hauns. A "Blossoming" will be held in the spring of 2010 to honor Mille Corey's life of service. Memorials may be made to the Ken and Mille Corey Tribute Funds of the Leila Arboretum, the Corey Tribute Fund at the Michigan 4-H Foundation, In-House Hospice of Kalamazoo, Yorkville Community Church or the charity of one's choice. Please visit our website www.bachmanhebble.com to leave personal messages and stories for the family. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation, Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Dec. 29, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Mildred Corey

5 Entries

Penny Lafrance

January 4, 2010

Mille was one of Earth's angels. I enjoyed every moment spent with her. She was warm, caring and full of humor. She was a joy to talk with always with her ready smile and animated eyes. She was a treasure to all she met. She will be missed. Love, light and laughter to her wonderful family.

Anne Hacker

January 2, 2010

Although I never met Millie, I came to know her through my friendship with Jan. I am sorry to learn of Millie's passing. Another star in the sky, another flower in the meadow.

Dinah Hoke

December 31, 2009

My heart goes out to Mille's family for their loss. I had the great pleasure of working with Mille for eleven years at Leila Arboretum. She always had an interestring tidbit to help start the day. Mille also helped me with my homework throughout the school year. It was my great pleasure to interview Mille about her childhood and her experiences growing up in the U.P. she was just a delight to talk with about anything. Mille, I will miss you.

December 31, 2009

I am so sorry to hear of Mille's passing. I was fortunate to be able to know her because of my friendship with June. She was very special to many people. My deapest sympathy.
Shirley Larsen

Rick Maison

December 29, 2009

My deepest sympathy on Mille's passing. I came to know her just in the past couple years as a volunteer in the greenhouse. But in the short association I had with her, I truly enjoyed her friendship and especially appreciated her ready smile and the twinkle in her eye. Her soft-spoken demeanor, work ethic and devotion to the arboretum and growing things inspired me. She was a very special woman who gave generously and will be missed by many. Again, my sincere condolences.

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