Mildred Louise Hamblen, 90

Mildred, known to all as Mili, was born in February 1932 and passed away peacefully Jan. 14, 2023, at home in Bigfork, surrounded by loved ones.

Mili was born in London, Kentucky to Edward and Eva Shelton with a larger than life personality. As the eldest of three, she was constantly keeping her younger sisters from too much Tomfoolery in their small town of Corbin, Kentucky.

After graduating early from high school, Mili went on to get degrees in education. First from the University of Kentucky and later a masters from Michigan State University. Both with honors. Her career as a teacher spanned 4 decades, 37 of those years as a business administration teacher at Lakeshore High School in Stevensville, Michigan. She made many lifelong friends with both students and peers during her tenure there.

Also in Stevensville, Mili met her one and only, Roy A. Hamblen, Jr. They were married in 1959 and spent 63 loving years together.

Mili and Roy chose to raise their family in nearby St. Joseph, Michigan. A small beachside community on the banks of Lake Michigan. They spent 34 happy years there, and when Mili retired in 1994 they decided a new adventure awaited them. They moved west, and settled in Bigfork, Montana.

Mili fell in love. She immediately immersed herself in the community. Her larger than life personality served her well as she made friends easily and was kind and generous to all those she met. She dedicated herself to the community Lutheran church and volunteered at the bigfork cultural center. Fiercely competitive, she played bridge and tried to sway all her friends to follow her beloved sports teams…the UK wildcats, MSU Spartans and the Chicago Cubs.

Most of all, Mili loved her family, friends, neighbors, a great book, nature and a good old fashion time.

She is survived by her husband Roy A. Hamblen Jr.; son Roy A. Hamblen III; daughter Elizabeth Hamblen; daughter-in-law Carla Haas; and grandchild Sam Haas-Hamblen.

Mili was preceded in death by both her parents and sisters, Juanita Shelton and Stella Mae Anderson.

Memorials can be made to the Community United Methodist Church, Bigfork, MT 59911.

Friends are encouraged to visit our website at www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolences for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.