Mildred "Milli" M. Kocks

A peaceful last breath, and a most energetic, independent and ornery woman, the matriarch of our extended family, left us in search of the next garden she will tend. Milli (Mildred M) Kocks died August 5, 2024 after a very short time to wind down. She didn’t feel well on a Monday. She died on a Monday two weeks later ending a remarkable life that lasted 99 years. 

Born in Corning, Ohio, she was raised by her grandparents, Calvin Homer and Mary Margaret Wilson on the family farm. From her grandmother she learned faith, helping others as if they were family, and patience. (Grandma Wilson could have spent a little more time with the patience part.) From Grandpa, she learned how to work the land to provide food and as important, to grow beautiful flowers. (The ornery came from him.) 

She settled in Whitehall, Ohio seven decades ago, raising a family, gathering friends, serving her church, (a Founding member of Eastview Methodist Church) and supporting her children’s interests - church, scouting, sports, dance, photography, theatre – an unending list that continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

Her remarkable life continued with a calendar filled with new ventures and friends. Now a member of Whitehall United Methodist Church, she volunteered to help with the monthly community dinners, food drives, back to school supply bags (tote bags that she would sew and fill with school necessities), and holiday collections for those in need. An active member of the Whitehall senior citizens, she traveled, took Tai Chi, learned how to shoot pool and rocked at country line dancing. Monthly book club and support group gatherings were staples. 

In the week before she didn’t feel well, she drove to church services (yes, she still drove), she cleaned our family home, she gardened in the beds she had been tending for 70 years, and she counted her blessings every night. 

Milli is survived by: Son Rick Kocks (Casyle Wise) and their children Samantha Wise (Joe Ekins), Tirzah Wise, and Colin (Tiffany) Wise; daughter Sue Ann Sayles and her children Austin (Pam) Sayles and Celeste Sayles; Great grandchildren Hollis, Ella, Esa, Elliot, Colin Jr., Sullivan, Donovan, Ty and Jett; and generations of the Kocks family, and Sayles family. Special members include Diane Nance and Rod Bouc, Carole and Jim Rosing, the Imes family, the Petty family, John Wear, and Bruce Wise. 

The family wishes to thank everyone mom prayed for each night. We were all her family. We thank the caring staff from the 3rd floor of Doctor’s Hospital West and from Kobacker House who understood she was not going to be defined by her age but by her code: Just don’t stop. Rest when you need it. The Lord will tell you when to stop. 

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Milli 1:00pm October 5, 2024 at Whitehall United Methodist Church 525 Bernhard Road, Whitehall Ohio 43016. Contributions in her memory can be made to Kobacker House, a garden filled hospice environment made for families to gather and say good-bye. (800 McConnell Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43214) 

Bright/festive attire is encouraged. Mom/Milli requested no dark clothing.