Mildred Phelps passed away in Logan, Utah on Sunday, February 23, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 10:00 am in the Schwab-Matthews Mortuary Chapel with a viewing prior to the services at 9:30 am. Interment will be in the Montpelier Cemetery.
Mildred (Millie) was born on March 30, 1929, in Woodcliff, Georgia to parents Corene McMillan Bragg and James Horace Bragg. She had five siblings, two brothers and three sisters, all of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by two children, Sherry Shelton (spouse David Shelton – deceased) and Stephen Phelps (spouse Lanitta Phelps), 6 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.
She moved from the Georgia country farm to Atlanta to attend business school after graduating early from high school as valedictorian and lived in a boarding house for women. It was in Atlanta that she met her future husband, Gerald Phelps (Jerry) who was in the army stationed at Fort McPherson. After Jerry was discharged from the army they were married in Atlanta and moved to Montpelier, Idaho. They had been married for 76 years when Jerry preceded her in death by fourteen months. They were inseparable in life, and they are now together again.
Millie, always a southern lady at heart, took the leap with her new husband and moved sight unseen to his hometown, Montpelier, Idaho. For her it was like being in a foreign country. She still spoke “southern” not to mention the very different and sometimes harsh climate adjustment. It was a difficult transition but one she overcame with grace and determination.
Millie was a woman of many talents (seamstress, gardener, decorator, entertainer, homemaker, cook, caregiver) and excelled in all. She was very savvy about real estate and the various businesses that she and Jerry had. She was responsible for instigating most of the property investments over the years. Most importantly she was a mother and grandmother, a role that she took very seriously and lovingly. She remembered birthdays, holidays, school events and special occasions and did her best to make each of them feel special. She loved family more than anything and was always the one who kept track of and in touch with a multitude of nieces and nephews who were scattered around the country.
Millie was a product of her generation, and it was incomprehensible to her grandchildren and great grandchildren that many items in the kitchen were still used after their expiration date. It was hard for them to understand that sell by and use by dates are two different measurements. Not to waste anything, to her at times expiration dates and refrigerate after opening were only suggestions.
Millie was a lifelong supporter of various humanitarian and charitable causes. She was involved with the inception of Garden City library and was a very active member of Bear Lake Watch. She was an avid reader and in her earlier years enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling and boating. She loved to travel, and she and Jerry traveled the world. Besides seeing most of the US, together they traveled to many countries in Europe and Africa. Their travels also took them to China, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
She touched so many lives over the years. She will be deeply missed, dearly loved and will be welcomed with open arms in heaven.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:
Bear Lake Watch
PO Box 205
Charles, Idaho 83272
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