Mildred Longaker

1921 - 2015

Mildred Ruth (Denman) Longaker was born October 4, 1921 in Bushyhead, OK, to Bessie Pearl (Dodson) and Roy Arthur Denman. After owning and working farms and feed stores in OK and New Mexico, the family moved to Canon City, CO in 1926. They bought and operated a grocery store, gas station, and cider mill on East Main. While attending Canon City High School, she met and married Kenneth Longaker in 1938. Kenneth worked for the Canon City Daily Record for 50 years and Mildred (Millie) worked at J.C. Penney's for 31 years, along with working at McDonalds and Thomson's Health Store until her retirement. She was a member of the First Christian Church and taught Sunday school for many years, also helping in the Library. She was a member of Business & Professional Women's club and an Elkette. Millie loved all people and was a smiling face on Main Street for over 30 years. She loved nature and always took time to stop and see its beauty. She loved feeding the birds and squirrels wherever she lived. She was an avid walker and hiker. When she was in her 60's, she hiked to the bottom and back up of the Grand Canyon carrying her tent, sleeping bag, and food. She walked daily at the Arkansas River Walk with her many dear friends. She and husband Kenny, jeeped most all of the Colorado backroads, fishing all along the way. Her last four years, were spent in Nampa, Idaho, to be near her family. She lived in Sunny Ridge Retirement Center where she continued to walk, feed the birds and squirrels, and made many new friends. She passed away there, February 6, 2015, and she is now with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is survived by her daughter, Connie Lorene Hook (Tom, deceased); two grandchildren, Theron Thomas Hook (Wendy) and Tristan Kenneth Hood (Jolynn); four great grandchildren, Thane, Chandra, Timothy, and Jocelynn Hook, all living in Murphy, Idaho; and many nieces and nephews, who all loved her dearly. Her positive attitude and winning smile will be greatly missed. As she always said, "keep looking up!" Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Wilson Funeral Home with Graveside Service following at 10:30 a.m., at Mountain Vale Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will then follow that morning at 11:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Canon City, CO. Arrangements are under the care of Holt Family Funeral Home. Online condolences @ www.holtfamilyfuneral homes.com