Perle Ruth Milliken Thomas

MILLIKEN, THOMAS

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 4/1/2014 at 14:38:33

Perle Ruth Milliken Thomas, daughter of Harriet and John Milliken was born in Taylor County, Iowa, January 11, 1890. She slept peacefully away at the Colonial Manor on Wednesday morning, May 7, 1975, at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 26 days.
She grew to womanhood in Taylor County, where she taught rural school. She was married to Enoch Elijah Thomas August 2, 1911 and they lived on a farm near Bedford. Five years later they moved south of Corning where they spent all of their life.
To this union three children were born; John Thomas, who preceded her in death on May 20, 1969, a daughter, Harriet, who died at birth, and Russell Thomas of Brussels, Belgium. She had two brothers, Ray and John Milliken and four half brothers and sisters, Clyde, and Harry Milliken, Grace and Lester Rose, all preceding her in death.
She taught many years in Taylor and Adams Counties, her last school being Jasper No. 4. Her devotion for children and education endeared her to many children and parents. She was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority. She was an early member of the Fairview Church and was active in teaching Sunday School, directing plays and music for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star and a Past Worthy Matron.
Her love for young people was shown by welcoming into their home her nieces and nephews, Virginia and John Milliken, Perle Rose, Ruth Hill, and several other young people. Her mother made her home with them for 14 years.
Besides her husband, Lige, and son Russell, she is survived by her daughters-in-law, Lucille and Ruth, six grandchildren, Alice MacDougal, Carolyn Harvey, Ann Nolte, Rebecca, John, and Loise Thomas; 9 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of neighbors and friends.
Funeral services were held at the Roland Funeral Home in Corning, Saturday, May 10, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Howard Wells officiating, followed by O.E.S. services. Burial was in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Dorothy Cook was organist, and Carrie Jo Miller, vocalist. Casketbearers were Oscar Lynam, Glen Septer, Jim Sullivan, Edward Chappell, Dean Leonard, and Warren Mitchell. Flower bears were Neva Vogel, Gladys Bycroft, Paulie Hadley, and Ruth Goldsmith.
Adams County Free Press, May 15, 1975, page 5