Mildred “Millie” Mary (Neva) Wilkinson, 100, Jamestown/Montpelier, died at home, with her family by her side, Sunday, May 17th 2020.

Millie was born May 16th 1920 in Durham Township to John and Annie (Cysewski) Neva. She grew up on a farm between Kensal and Courtenay. She graduated from Courtenay Public School in 1938. She married Jack Wilkinson on January 2, 1941 in Jamestown. They farmed and raised their family west of Montpelier. Millie affectionately, loved and devoted herself to her family. She especially found great joy in loving & spending time with her grandchildren & great grandchildren. Her heart was always to care for and serve her family, friends and community.

She and Jack were actively involved members of Grace Episcopal Church, Jamestown. She volunteered and belonged to many clubs, organizations: Homemakers, Cowbells, Montpelier School Board & PTO, 4-H leader, BPO Does, Fireside Literary Club, Rock Club, Birthday Club, League Shuffleboard, tied quilts for Children’s Crisis Center. One life event was her discovery of the Millarton hairy mammoth.

Millie and Jack loved social events. Lifelong friendships and close connections were fostered with their couple’s bridge club over the span of 50 years. After retirement, they spent 22 winters in Mesa, AZ. She enjoyed gardening, canning, and was well-known for her home-cooked meals, breads and lemon pies. She, generously, provided delicious meals for many, from family members to those in need and even strangers whom she invited into her home. Characteristically, she was very kind, spunky and adventuresome, hunting and fishing into her 80’s and playing cards with her competitive spirit in her 90’s. Into her mid 90’s, she regularly watched her grandsons shoot league pool at The Knights of Columbus on Thursday nights. There she became affectionately known as the team’s mascot, would root from her seat, taking part in high fives after each victory, and always wearing her team shirt. While drinking her usual water, she playfully claimed it was vodka.

She is survived by one son, John “Jack Jr.” (Melissa), Alberton, MT; three daughters: Mary Ann Wilkinson, Ottertail, MN; Cathy (Terry) Schlenker, Montpelier; Beth (Jay) Larson, Apple Valley, MN; 20 grandchildren: Stephen Wilkinson, Lori (Peter) Hewitt, Julie Wilkinson, Bart Murack, Kristi (Eric) Vraa; Aaron (Randi) Schlenker, Makayla (David) Ross, Jordan(Susan) Schlenker, Jared Schlenker, Monica Schlenker, Amber (Mike) Michalak, Cassia, Micah, Ethan, Simeon & Garnet Schlenker; Clinton (Carissa) Wilkinson; Grant, Nicholas & Cole Larson. 19 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Jack, her son, James “Jim”, her parents, three brothers: Jack, Adolph and Raymond. Four sisters: Josephine Paulson, Francis Hutchins, Leona Docktor and Irene Farrar.

Private Funeral service: 2:00 PM Saturday, at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown with Pastor Stephen Kyner & Father Bob Hoekstra, officiating.

(NOTE: Funeral service will be live streamed on YouTube under the Eddy Funeral Home page)

Burial: Highland Home Cemetery, Jamestown

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to: Farm Rescue, Meals on Wheels, or JRMC Hospice.

Eddy Funeral Home in charge of arrangements