Mildred E. (Tomlinson) McColley

Mildred E. Tomlinson McColley, 99, of Rochester passed away peacefully at 11:26 p.m., Monday, April 29, 2019 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.

Born on November 11, 1919 in Kewanna, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Lelia (Leasure) Tomlinson.

She was a 1937 Kewanna High School graduate.  After graduation Mildred worked for United Telephone Company as a telephone operator.  Later she worked in the office of the local grain elevator and grain company.

On November 29, 1941 she married Herman McColley.  He died on March 19, 1989 in Groveland, Florida where they spent several winters after they both retired.  While Herman was in the United States Army, Mildred went to live near him in Battle Creek, Michigan, otherwise she lived her entire life in Kewanna, except for the recent years at Hickory Creek Healthcare Center.

Mildred retired in 1981 after working in the finishing department at Winamac Coil Spring, Inc. in Kewanna for 24 years.  She was also a volunteer for the local Kewanna Community Food Pantry for several years.

Mildred’s great joy in life was her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her sons, Ron McColley (Karon) of West Lafayette and Steve McColley (Ruth Ann) of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee, grandchildren, Rush McColley of West Lafayette, Ginger Batta (Chris) of West Lafayette and Matt McColley of Clarksville, Tennessee, great grandchildren, Allison McColley, Carter Batta, Mallori McColley, Caroline Batta and Copper Batta and sister, Beth Weller of Kewanna.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by daughter, Marilyn McColley and sisters, Lois Kumler and Ruth Ann Anderson.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home & Crematory, Kewanna Chapel with Chaplain Todd Wilson officiating.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 3, 2019 at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Citizen’s I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Kewanna.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Kewanna United Methodist Church which she had been an active member since childhood and/or the Kewanna Union Township Public Library.