Mildred Shive Airhart

1929 - 2021

Mildred (Midge) Shive Airhart

November 28, 1929 - May 9, 2021

Mildred (Midge) Shive Airhart was born November 28, 1929, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Grace and Robert William Shive. She had one sister, Anne, and two half-sisters, Lillian, and Ruth. Midge graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1947. Upon graduation, Midge attended Idaho State University where she met her husband, Charles (Charlie) Airhart. They were married on August 1, 1948, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and began their life's journey taking them to Logan, Utah, Hamilton, Montana, Fairfield, Washington, Genesee, Idaho, Nampa, Idaho, and Twin Falls, Idaho where they resided for 46 years. In 2016 they moved to Portland, Oregon to be closer to family.

Midge was an accomplished musician and began playing the piano in elementary school. She shared her passion for life, her family, and music with every community she lived in by playing the piano and organ for local churches, choirs, community groups, weddings, and funerals.

Midge had a deep Christian faith which she lived each day by example. When she said that she would keep you in her prayers, it was not just a saying, but something she would commit to, trusting the power of prayer. She was happiest when surrounded by her family and friends where her wit and sense of humor would lighten any mood. Her affinity for all things bees grew out of her father's career as a beekeeper and honey producer. After moving to Portland, she discovered her love for the beach which she shared with her children and grandchildren. Midge is survived by her four children: Brad (Sharon), David (Dawn), Linda and Steve, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her beloved cat "Wooser."

She was proceeded in death by her husband Charlie, her parents, and three sisters. A celebration of life will be held this summer in Portland, Oregon. Midge and Charlie will be interred together at Willamette National Cemetery in Happy Valley, Oregon.