Mildred Greer Webb LaSota would have turned 100 years old on December 30th this year, 2021. Sadly, she missed making that amazing milestone by just a couple of weeks. And for most of her life, she was pretty healthy. She really did not like going to doctors or taking medicine.
She was born December 30, 1921 to Philip and Mainie (Estelle Maine Singleton) Greer. They preceded in her in death as did her sister, Gladys Greer Murray. Mildred and Gladys were 22 months apart in age, so they were close.
Mildred was married to Hugh Webb for 26 years before he passed away. Hugh was from Oklahoma but had moved to Indiana. Together they enjoyed riding horses, fishing, and hunting. Mildred was actually a good shot.
About a year after Hugh (nicknamed Webbie) passed, Mildred decided to take ballroom dancing at Arthur Murray Studios in Indianapolis. A gentleman named Ray LaSota made the same decision after his wife passed away. Ray and Mildred began dating and eventually married. They enjoyed going to various restaurants, and of course, dancing. They also took many trips together- including to Alaska and Hawaii. Sadly, Ray passed away a few years ago.
In almost 100 years of life, Mildred has seen many things and done many things, including playing the banjo and the piano. She also enjoyed sewing. At the age of 92, she decided she wanted to ride the Jet Ski with her grandsons. And her comment to them was, “Go faster!” That was how she was - she liked to go fast.
She graduated from New Castle High School and as able to attend some of their reunions over the years. After high school, she attended Olivet Nazarene College for a year. She returned to New Castle and graduated from a business college.
She worked many years for Harry Levinson’s Men’s Store, starting out as a clerk and cashier, and eventually becoming the secretary/bookkeeper for the Levinsons.
After she and Ray married, she moved to Bloomington with him, and she began working at the Monroe County Library in accounting. She worked there until she was 85, and that is when she retired!!!
She believed in dressing nicely and professionally and taking care of herself. Most people that knew her called her a very classy lady. She had a great work ethic, and a lot of spunk which probably helped her reach almost 100. She will be greatly missed. She was loved by her family and friends.
Her grandson, Phil Shipley, preceded her in death just this past August. Her step-daughter, Nancy Mayo, also preceded her in death.
Mildred is survived by her daughter, Vicki Webb Shipley, her step-daughter, Barb Stewart (Paul), her step-son, Ron LaSota (Kim). And her grandchildren, Trent Shipley, J.T. Shipley (Angela), Tiffany Stewart McGuinn (Tom), Trenton Stewart (Brad), Tim Mayo, Curt Mayo and their wives, and Michele Hampton (Donnie), and her great-grandchildren, as well as her nieces, who were like her own daughters, and other family members who loved her dearly. She was an amazing woman and left an impression on everyone that met her.
Although her time on this earth has ended, she will continue to shine brightly from the heavenly realm. She loved Christmas lights and now she will get to see them all.
A celebration of her life and appreciation for her will take place at a later date.
“And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God; I will see Him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” Job 19:25-27