Mildred Mason

ORAN, Mo. -- Mildred Berneice Bugg Mason, 92, of Oran died peacefully Thursday, June 19, 2014, at her home.

She was born July 6, 1921, on the family farm near Vanduser, Missouri, daughter of Otto and Iva Bugg. She and Will Grant "Bud" Mason were married Dec. 13, 1939. He preceded her in death March 1, 1979.

Mildred was a graduate of Morley High School and Southeast Missouri State University, where she received a bachelor's degree in elementary education, exceptional child, and a master's degree in education administration.

She began her career in 1940 as a legislative clerk in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1943 she became principal and teacher at Hooe School, a one-room school west of Oran. She then taught at Bryeans and Morley schools before moving to Oran schools, where she taught in the elementary level and established the first special education classroom in the area. She then accepted a position as special education instructor at Kelly High School and later became elementary principal. She retired in 1989 after spending 46 years in public school education.

After retiring, she enjoyed traveling with her friend Ilena Aslin and spending time with her grandchildren. She was an avid gardener, loved working in her yard and mowing the lawn. Mildred was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Oran.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Broen of Lake Mary, Florida, and Nancy (Paul) Hale of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren, Kelley (Tom) McHale of Lutz, Florida, Tracy Broen of Orlando, Florida, and Brett (Brooke Taylor) Hale of Farmington, Missouri; and a great-granddaughter, Caitlin McHale of Lutz.

She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Patti Ann.

Friends may call after 4 p.m. Monday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Oran.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with the Rev. Stan Hargis officiating and assisted by the Rev. John Harth. Burial will be in Friend Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made at amick-burnettfuneralchapels.com.