Mildred Childers

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mildred Mae Childers, age 81, of Goodman, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Freeman Hospital West in Joplin, Missouri, following a recent decline in health. She entered this life on March 27, 1944, in Wheaton, Missouri, one of four children born to the union of the late Luther and Oley (Teague) Smith.

Her life was marked by two significant unions; she married Howard York on March 16, 1961, who preceded her in death on August 16, 1986. She found love again and married William Martin Childers on August 20, 1987, who also preceded her on February 28, 2020. 

Professionally, Mildred was a dedicated employee who retired from Vacation Rentals after 30 years of service. Her work ethic and commitment to excellence were admired by her colleagues and served as an inspiration to many.

Beyond her family and work, Mildred was a talented seamstress who found joy in the art of creating. Her hands were rarely still, as she lovingly crafted garments and keepsakes that will serve as cherished mementos for her family. She was also a devoted member of Mt. Zion Church in Anderson, Missouri, where her faith and fellowship were an integral part of her life.

She is survived by her six children, Connie Childers of Neosho, Missouri, Martin Dale Childers and wife, Kim, of Anderson, Missouri, Christine Lesher and husband, Blake, of Merced, California, Karen Williams and husband, Kelly, of Powell, Missouri, Carol Tripodi and husband, Tom, of Pea Ridge, Arkansas and Eva Boyd and husband, Bill, of Goodman, Missouri; eight grandchildren, Lance, Megan, Dalton, Brian, Crystal, Marcus, Ashley and Brittany; several great and great-great grandchildren; a brother, Jim Smith and wife, Becky, of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends. 

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; two grandsons, Darrell Childers and Craig York; and two siblings, Luther Ray Smith and Helen Louise Ryan.

Funeral services are 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri with Dr. Randy Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Pineville Cemetery. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Martin Dale Childers, Brian Williams, Kelly Williams, Bill Boyd, Nick Cox and Shawn Brannum. The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.