Mildred E. Holloway, a vibrant and dedicated woman who touched many lives, passed away peacefully at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 2:35 p.m. Surrounded by her family, she was 94 years old. Born in Haven, Kansas, on March 20, 1931, to Tony and Mary (Roth) Kichler, Mildred previously resided in Girard and was living at Medicalodges in Frontenac at the time of her passing.
Her early years were spent in Haven, and she later moved to Girard, where she graduated from Girard High School. Mildred embarked on a career path that showcased her intelligence and drive. After working as a bookkeeper, she demonstrated a remarkable commitment to lifelong learning. In her forties, she pursued higher education at Fort Scott Community College and Pittsburg State University, earning her bachelor's degree. This achievement fueled her passion for caring for others, leading her to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and, at the age of 51, a Registered Nurse (RN).
Mildred's compassionate nature shone brightly in her work with the elderly. She obtained her nursing home administrator's license and dedicated her skills to Pittsburg and Grove (OK) Hospitals, as well as serving as administrator for Arma Nursing Home and Medicalodges Corp. She concluded her fulfilling full-time career as an RN at Heritage Nursing Home in Girard.
Life brought both love and loss. Mildred was married to Edward Perrin in 1950, and though they later divorced, their union brought her children. In 1971, she married John D. Holloway, who sadly preceded her in death in 1975.
Mildred's legacy lives on through her loving family: her daughter Connie Aulenbach and her husband Larry of Mesquite, Texas; her son Kenneth Perrin and his wife Diana of Pittsburg; her cherished grandchildren, Abbie Smith of Plano, Texas, Justin Perrin of Arma, and Tristin Perrin and Mindy McCorkle, both of Pittsburg; and her five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Florence Willey of Grove, Oklahoma and many nieces and nephews.
She was welcomed into eternal peace by her parents; her brothers, Martin, Peter, and Arnold Kichler, and an infant brother; and her sisters, Mary Lentz, Anna Price, Alfrieda Strouse, Katherine Wulf, and Cora Swift.
Funeral Mass will be at 11a.m. Saturday May 3, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Girard, with Fr. Josh Evans as Celebrant. Rosary will be Friday, May 2nd, at 6 p.m. with visitation after until 7:30 p.m. at the Smith-Carson-Walls Funeral home in Girard. Friends may call after 2 p.m., Friday, May 2 at the funeral home. The burial will be private at the Girard Cemetery at a later date. Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralserives.com.
Memorial contributions in Mildred's honor may be made to Sacred Heart Church Womens Altar Society in Frontenac or St. Michael's Church Womens Altar Society in Girard. These can be left at the churches or with Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Homes, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
