Mildred LeGrand

BENTON, Mo. -- Mildred Dorothy LeGrand, 97, of Benton died peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning, Oct. 6, 2022, at her home.

She was born July 8, 1925, in Benton to Andrew "Andy" Calvin and Agnes Mary Welter LeGrand. She and Gilbert Henry LeGrand of New Hamburg, Missouri, were married Oct. 24, 1944, in Benton. He preceded her in death May 7, 2003.

Mildred was a graduate of St. Denis Grade School and Benton High School, where she lettered as a guard on the basketball team, was the valedictorian of the Class of 1943 and received scholarships to Southeast Missouri State Teachers College and Cape Girardeau Business School.

She was a lifelong member of St. Denis Catholic Church and St. Anne Sodality. She belonged to the Red Hat Society and was a charter member of the American Legion Post No. 369 Auxiliary.

In the wake of World War II, she joined Gilbert in Norfolk, Virginia, where he was stationed by the U.S. Navy and where the couple brought their first child into the world. They returned to Benton to raise their family, and she was proud that all 11 of their children graduated St. Denis Grade School and Kelly High School in Benton, as did she. It was also her pride to be the niece of the first person from Benton -- Joseph LeGrand -- to become a priest and to serve as a flower girl at his ordination.

Prior to her passing, Mildred was the oldest resident of Benton. She enjoyed gardening, visiting friends and relatives and word games, whether in person or on TV.

Survivors include seven daughters, Doris (E.P.) Priggel of Portageville, Missouri, Denise LeGrand of Ballwin, Missouri, Nancy (the late Terry) Weissmueller of Chaffee, Missouri, Tammy (Dean) Cowell of Marble Hill, Missouri, Patricia (Randy) Hobeck of Friedheim, Taryn (Jim) Lovett of Charleston, Missouri, and Mary (Steve) Young of Benton; four sons, Timothy (Christy) LeGrand and Tedman LeGrand, both of Benton, Raymond (Cathy) LeGrand of Oran, Missouri, and Kevin LeGrand of Washington, D.C.; and brother, Maurice (Patty) LeGrand of Houston. In addition, she will be truly missed by her many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, as well as her six godchildren and nieces, nephews and beloved friends too numerous to mention.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Geraldine Douglas and Wilma Grojean; and brother, Leon LeGrand.

Friends may visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton, with the rosary at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 10, at the church, with the Rev. Bala Swamy Govindu officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Denis Catholic Church.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.