MONTEZUMA - Mildred M. Hood, 100, formerly of Montezuma, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, September 3, 2013. She was born on March 24, 1913 at Hudson, the daughter of Arnold C. and Martha (Uhlemann) Hitz.

It was at Hudson where she spent her early years, moving to Gray County together with her parents when she was thirteen years old. Her first six years of schooling were completed at Hudson. She spent one year in Chicago where she attended school. She returned to Gray County and attended Plainview Country School where she graduated from the eighth grade. She then attended Montezuma Rural High School graduating in 1931. She was the last surviving member of that class. One June 23, 1933, she was married to F. Milton Hood. Two daughters and one son were born to this union. Shortly after their marriage, she was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, or RP.

In 1963, she lost her only son to Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In 1971, her husband died after a lengthy illness. This left her alone to face life. This she did with a resolution to accept her lot in life. She was a member of the Montezuma United Methodist Church and the Southwest Kansas Association for the Visually Impaired (SKAVI).

Mildred, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, was a devoted person to her husband, home, family, community, church, and her Savior. She was a generous person and could sympathize with those who met with misfortune and was willing to share to help others. Mother was a keeper of the home and diligently filled her place. She was a person of faith, courage, and prayer; an example to us, her family and to those who came in contact with her. These qualities saw her through the difficulties that she faced.

RP eventually led to total blindness. She graciously accepted this and made the best out of life that she could. As a family, we never detected any bitterness but rather an acceptance that this was God's will for her. She often made the remark that this had taught her to lean on the Lord and it helped her to grow spiritually.

After her husband's death, she resided in Montezuma until 2000, when she sold her home. She spent her remaining years with or close to her two daughters, Diane and Carol. Three of those years were spent in assisted living facilities where she was very much appreciated by the residents and staffs. Although there were times that she struggled with her visual handicap, she was cheerful and had a positive outlook on life. She seemed to especially appreciate it when her grandchildren would visit her.

Among the many other memories that we have of her are the many scrubbies that she crocheted. These were given away as little gifts to friends, family, visitors, and caregivers. Because her care required more than could be given in the home, she was admitted to a full-care nursing facility in February of 2013, where she spent the remaining days of her life. We believe Mother has gone to her final reward and we look forward to meeting her again one day in Heaven.

Mildred is survived by two daughters, Diane Gruver and husband Floyd of Holton and Carol Giesbrecht and husband Jerry of Burns; seven grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; one step granddaughter; two step great grandchildren; five step great-great grandchildren; and three sisters-in-law, Delores Hitz, Lucille Godfrey, and Marjorie Quinlan. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one son, Larry Hood; one sister, Rachel; one brother, Vernon; and one great granddaughter, Carly Jantz.

Celebration of Life service will be held at Montezuma United Methodist Church on Friday, September 6, 2013 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Jerry Odle presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Montezuma. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel of Montezuma on Thursday, September 5, 2013 from noon to 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Montezuma United Methodist Church or SCAVI in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.