Mildred Melhiser Hale, 94, of Owensboro, went to her heavenly home on Monday, April 22, 2019 while under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. She was born December 22, 1924 in Daviess County to the late Henry Edward and Elizabeth Iona Krahwinkel Melhiser. Mildred worked for Kresge’s 5 & 10 cent store and the Murphy’s Singer Sewing Machine Company. She volunteered at Owensboro Mercy Hospital and she along with her husband, Arthur, owned and operated the A.L. Hale’s grocery in Philpot, KY. Mildred served as matron at the Daviess County Jail while her husband was the jailer. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Happy Hearts Sunday School class. Mildred was a devout Christian and lived her faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Arthur Lewis Hale, on April 19, 2019; sisters, Etta Belle Moss, Eva Coletta Roethemeier, Teulah Burton, Beulah Philpot, Opal Fieldon, Hazel Wigginton; and brothers, James Melhiser, Calvin Melhiser, William Melhiser, Archie Melhiser, and Keith Melhiser.
Mildred is survived by her daughter, Beth Hale (Carl) Worthington; son, David A. (Julie) Hale; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sisters, Norma Layne and Wanda Prater.
A celebration of life will be at James H. Davis Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Paul Strahan & Rev. Bob Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday and after 9:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.
The family would like to express their gratitude to all of the caregivers at the Heartford House and our deep appreciation to the home team especially Natalie, Kathy, Angela and Wilda.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Hospice of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY, First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 904 , Owensboro, KY 42302 or Kentucky Wesleyan College Men’s Basketball Program, c/o Development Office, 3000 Frederica Street, Owensboro, KY 42301.