Mildred Mary Trammell

1923 - 2025

Mildred Mary (nee Besse) Trammell, age 101, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025 at the Freeburg Care Center. Millie was born on October 27, 1923 in St. Louis. She was the daughter of Robert J. and Emma (nee Engler) Besse, and sister of the late Robert Besse, Jr.

She loved to tell stories of a happy childhood, while in her parents' St. Louis grocery, where she learned the basics of business at an early age. She attended Incarnate Word High School, took formal voice lessons and performed for many family occasions, including singing the Ave Maria on the radio as a teenager. She played the piano and continued to love her music throughout her life. After graduation, Millie enrolled in business school and worked at Curtiss-Wright Aviation Company in St Louis during WWII.

Millie and her husband, T.W. Trammell, moved to O'Fallon, IL in the late 1940's and opened the O'Fallon Hatchery on State Street, retailing chickens and feed in the area. Following a change in life's direction and with the help of her parents, Millie re-focused the business on supplying fresh chicken to local restaurants. Later she prayed for a new business opportunity. Her prayers were answered when she opened one of the first coin operated laundromats in Belleville, IL. It was an immediate success. She moved her family to Belleville and opened two more laundromats there. Millie will continue to be an inspiration to her family with her strong work ethic, business acumen and spirituality that she practiced every day.

Millie was a soprano member of the O'Fallon Choral Club. She traveled widely through Europe, Hawaii and Australia with friends, and eventually retired to enjoy her grandchildren. Her last few years were at the Freeburg Care Center where she joined in songs, watched live music and enjoyed the company of friends. The staff there became like family. We are grateful to them and her caregivers from Right at Home.

Millie was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Terry Trammell, Donna (Ronald) Mathis and Patrick Trammell. She was predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen Hart. Millie is also survived by grandchildren Heather, Michelle, Gregory, Julie, Jennifer, Ellen and Kimberly; and great grandchildren Luke, Violet, Avery Frances, Leila, Bowie, Avery Grace, Alec, Ryan and Matthew.

Family will receive friends from 9:30 – 11 am, Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home, 102 W. Washington St., O'Fallon, IL. Graveside Service will be at 11:15 am, Wednesday, at O'Fallon City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.wfh-ofallon.com.