Mildred Skeens Obituary

Mildred Skeens

Mildred Skeens, age 96, was the foundation and glue of her family. She counted her family as her greatest accomplishment and greatest love. She was rock solid and the calm in the storm. Her love was infectious and so was her love for God. A devoted Christian, who could never get enough of the Lord's word, reading the Bible a multitude of times, always learning more and sharing with others. She was a woman of great faith and prayed for all those she knew. She had a heart for everyone, loved to welcome others into her home, and never met a stranger.

She was a woman of fortitude and strength. She was left alone to raise children while her husband was away in the Korean War. She was a faithful, supportive wife. After becoming a widow, she lived 43 more years. During those years she beat cancer, lost a son, and never lost faith. She never drove, yet she saw the world. She lived through different generations and was able to adapt and grow. Her favorite place was her home. She loved to leave but could not wait to return. Being outside, walking, and tending to her rose garden were her favorite pastimes.

She was a fantastic cook who loved to feed her family and any and all friends, especially during the holidays. Holidays were her most favorite time because her family would be together. Her family continued to grow, and she continued to cook, enlisting the help of all in preparation. This was another way she used time together to bond and create a unity amongst her family. From the oldest to the youngest, she was honored, loved, and was a person one did not want to disappoint.

She leaves behind a void that can never be filled and a great legacy of love and selfless giving to others.

Mildred Skeens, daughter of the late Reece and Virgie Mae Stiltner, was born January 8, 1928.

She was the last surviving member of her family. Preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Agie Skeens; one son, Ralph Agie Skeens Jr; and one son-in-law, David Ross Hale.

Survived by five sons, Tommy and Linda Skeens, Jerry Skeens, Eddie and Marianne Skeens, Charles and Lescia Skeens, and Robert and Melinda Skeens.

Survived by one daughter, Margaret Hale.

Survived by grandchildren, Eric Skeens, Joshua and Cecille Skeens, Julie and Richard Davis, Dawn Skeens, Jeri Skeens, Reid Skeens, Meredith and Kevin Henshaw, Jill and Joey Yates, Alex and Emily Gibson, Austin Skeens, Madison and Destin Hall, McKensie Skeens, Charles Hale, Reece and Brant Robertson, and Hannah Skeens.

Great-grandchildren, Mary Grace Skeens, Millie Skeens, Scotlyn Skeens, Kirkland Lively, Ethan Skeens, Shannon Henshaw, Trent Henshaw, Isabel Steele, Noah Gibson, Ross, Gibson, Elijah Hale, Elizabeth Hale, Walker Robertson, Warner Robertson, Margot Mae Robertson, and Frankie Jane Robertson.

A special thank you to her wonderful, loving caretakers, Truby Wolford, Maxine Perry, Millie Dale, Patricia Joyce, Becky Bartley, and Jeanette Stiltner.

Funeral services for Mildred Skeens will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, VA, with Evangelist Mike Rife and Pastor Doug Elkins officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, VA. Serving as pallbearers at their mother's request, Tommy Skeens, Jerry Skeens, Eddie Skeens, Charles Skeens, Robert Skeens, and Margaret Hale.

The family will receive friends Wednesday beginning at 11 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to

www.shortridgeramey.com.

The family of Mildred Skeens has entrusted the care of their loved one to Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, VA.

Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, VA.