Mildred Frances Kokesh 95, of Spearfish, passed away on March 22 at Belle Fourche Health Care.

Visitation will be from 3-6 pm on Friday, March 25, 2011 at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish. Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the United Methodist Church in Belle Fourche. Internment will be in Pineslope Cemetery in Belle Fourche. A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Mildred was born March 18, 1916 in Crook County, WY to Arthur and Ruth (Potter) Cole. She graduated from Sundance High in 1932, and received her teacher's certificate from Spearfish Normal School. She taught at the Kokesh Ranch, where she met James Kokesh and married in 1934.

Mildred held various positions including newspaper reporter, clinical receptionist, accountant, and eventually retired as a secretary for the BLM in Belle. After retirement she moved to Spearfish where she resided until her death.

Throughout life, Mildred was active in her children's schooling and activities. Her strong faith and family was the mainstay of her life. She was active in the Methodist Church in Belle and later joined the Spearfish congregation. Mildred was a lifelong member of Eastern Star serving as worthy matron. Volunteering, teaching piano and guitar, crocheting, knitting and particularly lots of card games were some of Mildred's passions. Mildred loved life and adventure and had a terrific sense of humor. She was a caring, giving, loving Mother and friend who never denied a chance to grow. Mildred's greatest love and challenge were her 9 children and their numerous families. Her wonderful spirit, chuckle and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Mildred is survived by her nine children: Ruth (John) Kirk, Jim (Margy) Kokesh, Delores Frost, Bob (Joyce) Kokesh, Norma Leger, Laverne Kokesh, Don (Pam) Kokesh, Sharon (Mike) Arent, Ron (Darlene) Kokesh, 24 Grandchildren, 29 Great Grandchildren, and 6 Great-Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 5 siblings.