Mildred L. Gephart

Mildred L. Gephart went to be with her Lord on April 25, 2017 surrounded by friends and family. Mildred Lois Basye was born in Spiceland, Indiana to Howard and Mary Basye on April 24, 1924. Mildred was a graduate of Spiceland High School and Indiana Central Business College. Mildred married William Lane Gephart on April 10, 1943, and their marriage remained strong until Bill’s death on February 14, 1986.

Like her father, Mildred was employed by Draper, Inc. until her retirement in April of 1986. Upon retiring, she was able to engage in her passion for painting full time. Mildred painted almost every day until just a few months before her death. Mildred sold her house in Spiceland in 2002 and moved to Raintree Square in New Castle. Over her 12 years at Raintree Square, the hallways became her “gallery”. With the support of Raintree Square management, Mildred found places for her many paintings. The staff became her supporters and critics. She treasured both staff roles. When she was no longer able to live unassisted, many of the Raintree Square paintings were given to the staff and her friends.

In March, 2014 Mildred moved to Glen Oaks Health Campus, where she resided in the Skilled Nursing wing until her death. Her friends, Libby Henshaw and Linda Brock made sure Mildred was able to continue painting.

In addition to being a devoted wife and mother, Mildred was actively engaged in the world around her. Her other accomplishments included: Past Matron, Spiceland Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star; Past President, Past Matrons Club; Past President, Altruistic Club; Past President, Henry County Arts Guild; Past Secretary and Past President, Raintree Square Council. She was a member of the Henry County Heart Association, and the Art Association of Henry County. She was a birthright member of Spiceland Friends Meeting, where she served on the Ministry and Membership Committee, and Recording Clerk for Spiceland Friends Monthly Meeting. She served as the Superintendent of the Junior Department of Spiceland Friends, and taught the Cornerstone Class.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, and her son, Howard. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne Maglio and her husband, Charles of North Palm Beach, Florida, her daughter, Sarah Gephart Stanley and her husband, Steven of Houston, Texas, two grandchildren, Jason Krajewoski and his wife Kristin, Ulana Krajewoski, one great grandson, two nieces and one nephew, plus several cousins.

Her family would like to thank the staff of Raintree Square. Mom loved her apartment, and she loved living there, the staff of Glen Oaks who took such good, loving care of her, her Spiceland Friends family, and Henry County Hospice, especially Mark, Beth and Rhonda. We also want to extend a special thank-you to her dear friends Libby Henshaw, Linda Brock, and Annis Wallace.
Mildred Gephart was a strong, intelligent woman yet always humble, never boastful, and met her later years with dignity and grace.

She wanted her last words on Earth to be this Evening Prayer.
If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way,
Dear Lord, forgive.

Services for Mildred will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service, 3406 South Memorial Drive, New Castle, Indiana. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday. Interment will be at Circle Grove Cemetery, Spiceland, Indiana immediately following the funeral. Memorial contributions may be sent to Spiceland Friends Meeting or Henry County Art Association; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. You may express condolences or share a memory of Mildred at www.hinsey-brown.com .