Obituary - Mildred "Millie" Harden

Our beautiful mom's journey on earth ended when our Lord called her home in the early afternoon hours of March 8, 2018, with her five children by her side to say goodbye and let go knowing that she was welcomed with open arms from family and friends who have gone before her.

Mildred "Millie" Harden, the daughter of Martin and Leila (Hull) Brown, was the third-youngest of 14 and was the last to leave us. She was born on the family homestead north of Hinsdale, Montana, Aug. 2, 1931. Her fondest memories were riding horses with her older brother Eddy and running barefoot through the prairie grasses with her youngest sister, Pearl. She was also taught the art of cooking from a great teacher, our grandma. Mom graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1949.

Mom met a handsome young ballplayer, Lloyd Harden, at a ballgame in Whitewater, Montana, and their love story began Dec. 9, 1950, in Kalispell, Montana, and soon after they made their home in Hingham, Montana. There they raised five children and made many memories and lasting friendships. in 1988, after Dad retired, they moved to Billings and resided there to be closer to family. Here, they also made many new friendships.

Millie held several jobs over the years to make ends meet, but none were more important to her than being a dedicated wife, homemaker and a mom. That was all she ever wanted, and Dad and the five of us filled her heart to overflowing. She was our biggest cheerleader and was dedicated to whatever made us happy, which made her happy. Mom always had a smile that gave you a hug even before she wrapped her arms around you and a sense of humor that was second to none. Her homemade pancakes and potato soup are a long-lasting memory for those who were always welcome at her table. She was a gracious hostess who could turn a can of tuna fish into a gourmet meal. Mom was often found getting her hands dirty maintaining her meticulous vegetable and flower gardens, an attribute given to her by her dad, our grandpa. However, her greatest joy was the birth of her grand- and great-grandchildren. She loved each one of them unconditionally and each one of them held a special place in her heart.

Millie was preceded in death by her parents, 13 siblings, soulmate, Lloyd, and son-in-law Jerry McGlone.

She is survived by her daughter, Deloma (Bruce) Moore; sons, Skip (Jodi) Harden, Mark (Mary) Harden, Clark (Heidi) Harden and Paul Harden; grandchildren, Justin (Meri) and Kyle (Jen) McGLone, Courtney Harden, Ashley (Will) Davis, Cole (Danielle) Harden, Corey (Jamie) Harden, Jennifer (David) Ginn, Brooke Harden and Kris Kester; great-grandchildren Maren and Aiden Ness, Jacob, Rowan and Bode Mack McGlone, Eli, Olivia and Emmet Harden, and Arya and Jameson Ginn. Mom's favorite niece, Denise Strissel, will also mourn the loss of her Aunt Mill.

We want to extend a grateful thankyou to all her caring angels at Garden Court who took care of Mom with loving care and dignity.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11 a.m. April 7, 2018, at Hope United Methodist Church, 244 Wicks Lane, Billings, Montana, with a luncheon reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Ministries, 3940 Rimrock Road, Billings MT 595102.