Mildred I. Orton

Mildred I. Orton, 85, of Bend, Oregon passed away May 8, 2011 at her home.

She was born August 20, 1925 at Blackfoot, Idaho to Thomas and Elva Scott Miller.  Mildred lived and attended school in the Lost River area, Pocatello, California, and completed her high school in Salt Lake City, Utah.  She also attended Business School in Salt Lake City and Pocatello.

Mildred married Merlin A. Orton on July 26, 1957.  They lived in the Riverside area where she was active in church and the school system.  She was active in the PTA and later served as 5

th

District President and a member of the State Board.  She also served as President of the Westinghouse Wives.  The family later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada and then to San Jose, California where she continued working with the school system.

Mildred continued her formal education in Floral Design and Fine Arts.  She worked as a Floral Designer and continued her oil painting.  She had several collectors of her paintings and showed in several art shows receiving many first place ribbons.  Her paintings hang in many households in different states.  Mildred belonged to Tree Top Gallery and the Los Altos Art Guild in California.

After being diagnosed with Lupus disease, she worked with the Lupus Foundation in San Jose and San Francisco and later helped start a Lupus Chapter in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and served as President of that Chapter.  She continued working in the Lupus program after returning to Blackfoot and has been a member of the Lupus Organization for several years.

Mildred is a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Blackfoot and served in various positions with the Womens Martha Unit and annually decorated the church for each season.  She is also a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR.

Mildred was a lady of many talents and her entire home is decorated with her crafts and other décor that she has made to enhance the beauty of the home.  She loved dancing, music, painting, arts, and crafts, making porcelain dolls, spectator sports, and animals.  She especially enjoyed time spent with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, Merlin of Bend, OR; two sons, Tom (Sarah) Orton of Bend, OR; and Rande (Greta) Orton of Bend, OR; a brother, Jack L. (Pat) Miller of Moreland, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Dorothy and a daughter, Carol Ann Lowe.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday May 13, 2011 at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1110 Parkway Drive, in Blackfoot with Pastor John Stevens officiating. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the Riverside Thomas Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home.