Mildred Haskins

Mildred Ellen Haskins, 102, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 5, with her daughter, Shirley Heath, by her side, and surrounded by many other dearly loved friends and family. Mildred was born Dec. 23, 1908, in Carroll, Neb. She married Cleel Lyle Haskins on Feb. 23, 1930. Unusual for the time, Mildred graduated from Wayne State Teacher's College in 1928, and taught in a one-room school for two years prior to having her two children, Robert and Shirley (Heath). After farming in Nebraska for generations, in 1937 the Haskins clan moved to Oregon to settle in Corvallis. Mildred worked for 22 years in the Oregon State University Chemistry and Horticultural Departments. Mildred spent her life as a part of the Corvallis community, witnessing the many changes and growth of the city. Privileged with 40 years of retirement, she had plenty of time to devote to her many and varied hobbies and interests. She enjoyed knitting clubs and the Lincoln Garden Club, and was a member of the Pythian Sisters for 60 years. Camping, fishing and being able to travel enlightened her; but after enjoying the sights, she would always come home to her favorite spot, and her friends and family. Mildred had countless lifelong friends who were kindred spirits and a witness to all the devotion and tenderness of friendship's value. Living on 49th Street for 50 years, she spent her time in her vegetable garden and nurturing the begonia flowerpots, which brought her great joy. One could often find Mildred sitting out front of her home most evenings, waiting for the coastal breeze. Church involvement was always part of her life. She had a heart for prayer, and enjoyed her Bible studies. Her deep and abiding love for her God was reflected in all areas of her life. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. The legacy she leaves them is her love for them, her faith and a wild sense of humor. Grams could spin a story and embellish a joke just to sit and watch others laugh and carry on. A good "Grandma joke" was enjoyed by all. Mildred will be greatly missed, especially by her daughter Shirley and her husband, PJ Heath, who reside in Corvallis. Her daughter-in-law, Jane Haskins, and children Randy Haskins and Rick Haskins reside in California. She will also be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Kara Knopp of Vancouver, Wash.; Bill Weldon of Albany; and Kathy Adams of Atlanta, Ga. She enjoyed her eight great-grandchildren, two of whom live in Albany: Noah and Taylor Weldon. When asked how she lived so long, her reply was, "Just keep breathing." Her philosophy for living was simply written last year: "Living life has two ways: happy or grumpy; it's up to you. You choose, just decide and do it. There is always something to laugh about. Laughter is good medicine. Use it. Don't criticize, don't be arrogant - everyone has an opinion. Be a good listener; be helpful and kind to everyone. Don't monopolize the conversation; everyone likes to talk. "Now if you practice all these, you and others are sure to be happy." Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Cleel "Tick" Haskins (1993), and her son, Robert Haskins (2004). The family would like to thank all her many friends, as well as the Timberhill Place staff for their care and love during Mildred's stay. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, at Timberhill Place Assisted Living, 989 N.W. Spruce Ave. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Agape Family Fellowship, P.O. Box 198, Tangent, OR 97389.

Mildred Haskins

December 23, 1908 - March 5, 2011