MONTEZUMA — The gentle spirit of Mildred Goff Machledt, 94, passed peacefully on Oct., 23, 2011, as she slept. She was born on Aug. 28, 1917, to Edith and Stillman Goff, she was one of six children raised on a thriving farm outside of Rockville. Her school days began in a rural one-room school house, then advanced to Rockville High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1935. Mildred continued her education at Purdue University, where she was introduced to Amelia Earhart. She was an active 4-H member and leader and in 1937 she attended National 4-H Club Camp, in Washington D.C., where she was selected to personally welcome and present a gift to Eleanor Roosevelt.

One day outside of Cummin’s Drug Store, in Montezuma, a friend introduced Millie to Joseph Paul Machledt. On June 18, 1939, they were married at the New Bethel Church, in Rockville. After settling in Montezuma where her husband was employed at Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company and was called to serve in the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II.

Following the war, Mildred skillfully used her considerable home-making abilities as the couple raised their four active children in Montezuma. Each summer they loaded the family station wagon and enjoyed extensive journeys of discovery that eventually encompassed nearly all of the United States. Their lifelong joy of travel was undiminished as Mildred and Paul went on to explore more than 50 countries together, often taking along their children and spouses and later their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mildred lived most of her life in Parke County, where her genuine kindness, generosity, and ability to organize provided leadership and services throughout the community. She actively participated in the life of the Montezuma Presbyterian Church as an inspired Sunday school teacher, elder, deacon and UPW member.

In the mid-1960s, being an accomplished seamstress and designer, Mildred opened a custom drapery department as part of the Paul Machledt & Associates Home Furnishings, the business that she and Paul had established in Montezuma in 1946. Employing her unique designing abilities and keen attention to detail, Mildred soon became known for her innovative drapery projects throughout the Wabash Valley and beyond.

Upon the event of their 50th wedding anniversary, Mildred and Paul Machledt invited friends to join their celebration. At that time, they presented to the Town of Montezuma the Machledt Memorial Cultural Center, which houses the town Library and Town Hall.

On Jan. 7, 1996, Millie’s partner in life preceded her in death. In later years, Mildred attended several week-long Elder Hostel events at various universities to enhance her continuing interests in education and travel. She enjoyed reading, needle-work, playing the piano, caring for her solarium plants and being with her family and friends.

This gracious lady and loving wife, mother, sister and friend is survived by her four children: Gwendolyn Machledt Moore and husband Malcolm Moore of Montezuma, Charles Goff Machledt and wife Terrie Parks Machledt of Fortville. Fredric Paul Machledt and wife Susan Hague Machledt of Indianapolis, and Martha Machledt Francis of Tulsa, Okla. She also is survived by a sister, Valeria of Barberton, Ohio; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Friday at Brown-Mack Funeral Home, in Montezuma, from 5 to 7 p.m., with a service to honor her life to be held on Saturday at 11 a.m., in the Montezuma Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Mark Olsen, the Rev. Wendy Olsen and the Rev. John Mattson officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. If friends desire, memorial contributions can be made to the Montezuma Presbyterian Church or the 4-H Foundation.