Mildred P. Ochiltree

Mildred “Middy” Pauline Albery Ochiltree, 102, died November 21, 2024 in Battle Creek, MI. 

She was born on September 21, 1922, the daughter of Carl L. Albery and Eloise Johnson in New Providence, Iowa. The family moved to Hammond, IN when she was four years old. Her father died in 1972 and her mother in 1974, both in Hammond, IN. 

Mildred was a graduate of Hammond High School and attended Western Michigan University and Kellogg Community College. She studied eight years of piano at the Dormogan Conservatory of Music. 

She was married to Frank Mason Ochiltree in 1942 and traveled with him during the time he was in the service. While in Uvalde, TX she served as Vice President of the Cadet Wives Club, whose duty it was to find housing for the wives of the cadets. 

Mildred and her sister, Esther Jane, were married to brothers Frank and James Ochiltree and had a very close relationship. 

She worked as a secretary in the Battle Creek Branch of Monroe Calculating Mach. Co. (Litton Ind) for 20 years, then worked 15 years for Federal Home Life in the credit department. At 63 she studied refresher courses in music at Western Michigan University and began to teach. 

She was active in National Federation of Music Clubs (Battle Creek Morning Musical Club). She was President of the Battle Creek Symphony Guild from 1993 thru 1995 during which time they had several jazz concerts and raised money to donate a new podium and a set of chimes for the orchestra. In 1999 she co-chaired the celebration held for the Symphony’s 100th anniversary. She was also a volunteer for the Gilmore Festival. 

For twenty years Mildred worked as an election inspector for the City of Battle Creek and was proud to have seen living presidents, including President Franklin Roosevelt. 

She enjoyed every aspect of her life. She and her husband loved boating, fishing and golf. They were former members of the Battle Creek Country Club. Her true love was teaching. 

Her positive attitude of life will always be remembered. She was much loved. 

Mildred is survived by two daughters, Cathy Lynn (Ochiltree) Ruff of Winterville, GA and Deborah Lee (Ochiltree) Hill of Belmont, N.C.; one son, Lawrance “Larry” Ochiltree of Battle Creek; two grandchildren, Emmy M. Shirley and Graham Shirley of Athens, GA; one niece, Gail Wapiennik; one nephew, James Ochiltree; three great-nephews, Wayne Vandewater, Larry Wapiennik II and Jason Wapiennik; one great-niece, Tina (Ochiltree) Hardeshy and four great great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; a daughter, Cynthia P. (Ochiltree) Carroll, one sister, Eshter Jane (Albery) Ochiltree and a niece, Nancy Vanderwater. 

As per Mildred’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Battle Creek Morning Musical Club. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.