Mildred Vinton (9-25-11)

ARNOLDSVILLE - Mildred E. Vinton, 89, a longtime resident of the Wolfskin Community in Oglethorpe County, passed away on the evening of September 25, 2011, Sunday.

Mrs. Vinton was born and raised in Michigan. Soon after graduating high school she went to work in a Jackson, Michigan factory as part of the WWII effort. She married Earl Vinton in 1941 and they raised their three daughters on a small farm in rural Jackson County, Michigan. Having lived through the depression, Milly was very frugal. Food was homegrown, clothes were homemade, socks were darned, and nothing was wasted. She was a jack of trades, an avid gardener, cook and baker, seamstress, hunter and fisherman, and a carpenter and woodworker. She passed these values and skills to her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Vinton was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Earl Vinton.

Survivors include three daughters and two sons-in law, Phyllis and Jeff Jackson, Wolfskin Community, Mary Helen Menken and Ruth Ann and Drago Tesanovich, all of Colbert; grandchildren, Wesley Jackson and wife Carolyn, Savannah; Janet Jackson Hamilton and husband Eric, Tallahassee, Fla., Aaron Tesanovich and wife Betsy, Savannah, Theron Menken, Colbert, Leslie Tesanovich Bryant and husband Buckley, Carrie Menken, and Molly Menken, all of Athens; and two great-grandchildren, Jackson Hamilton and Aiden Tesanovich.

The family wishes to thank the compassionate staff of Arbor Terrace Assisted Living of Athens, Hospice Advantage, St. Mary’s Hospice and those individuals who helped care for Milly over the past years as Alzheimer’s disease advanced.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 8, at 2:30 p.m. at the Arnoldsville Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a memorial celebration at the home of Ruth Ann and Drago Tesanovich immediately following the service.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of the arrangements.