Mildred Arlene Williamson, 88, Sturgis, passed away in her home on July 28, 2010.

Mildred was born to Albert Curtis "Ducky" and Alene (Jacobson) Drake on July 8, 1922, in Whitewood, SD. She spent her early years in the Black Hills and Wyoming. Her family moved to Vale in 1929. Mildred graduated from Vale High School in 1940. She attended Black Hills State Teacher's College in Spearfish and taught at the Cottonwood School southwest of Vale, the Ingersol School near Belle Fourche, and the North Highland School.

On June 20, 1943, she was married to Daryld Williamson of Vale at the Empire Friends Church. They lived in Laramie, WY, where Daryld was an airplane mechanic before they moved back to Vale to the family farm.

Mildred loved to garden, cook, read and spend time with her family. She spent many years caring for bum lambs on the farm. She had a gift of hospitality and graciously welcomed everyone into her home. She could turn any meal into a feast. To her children and grandchildren, she left a legacy of generosity and servitude. She was an active member of Empire Friends Church and often served as a teacher for Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Mildred loved music and played piano for the worship services. She was currently a member of the First Wesleyan Church of Sturgis.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Daryld; six children, Donna (Wayne) Powell, Plains, KS, Myra (Gene) Pickard, Yorba Linda, CA, Marty Williamson, Nisland, SD, John (Alisa) Williamson, Sturgis, SD, Kay (Neill) Unruh, Haviland, KS, and Debbie (Loren) Boettcher, Vale, SD; 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Alene Drake; her brother, Melvin Drake; and her sister, Norma Charon.

Visitation will be at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis on Friday, July 30th from noon until 9:00 p.m. with the family present from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the Wesleyan Church in Sturgis on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor John Williamson officiating. Burial will follow at Bear Butte Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the ministry of your choice.