January 14, 2022

Linn County News

Published Jan. 19, 2022

Reta M. Milliken, 95, of Williamsburg, Kan., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, at Parkview Heights, Garnett, Kan.

Funeral services were scheduled at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Williamsburg United Methodist Church, Williamsburg. Family was to meet with friends from 10-10:30 a.m., prior to service hour. Interment was to be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Williamsburg.

Reta was born Sunday, April 4, 1926, in Blue Mound, Kan., the daughter of Robert Renfrew and Levah (Campbell) Boyd. She grew up in Blue Mound and moved to Mound City, Kan., at the age of 19, and to Williamsburg in 1981. She graduated from Blue Mound High School with the class of 1944.

Reta was united in marriage to Roy A. Detwiler April 28, 1951, at Mound City. They were later divorced. On June 27, 1981, she was united in marriage to Orlin M. Milliken at Mound City. He preceded her in death on Oct. 7, 1997.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Levah Boyd; son, James Milliken; daughter, Mary Demoret;, granddaughters, Becky Alexander, Ruby Ann Milliken and Kari Gilland; sisters, Doris Henesey and Virginia Chapman; and brother, Robert Boyd.

Survivors include daughters, Sharon Ferranti of Hoisington, Kan., Susan DiGangi (Tom Kosiara) of Flower Mound, Texas, Janice Comeaux (Jesse) of Lago Vista, Texas, and Terri (Ron) Miiller of Olathe, Kan.; sons, Larry Milliken (Sandy) of Williamsburg, Stan Milliken (Mel) of Richmond, Kan., and Leroy Detwiler (Ann) of Paola, Kan.; daughter-in-law, Ruth Milliken of St. Francis, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Alberta Boyd, Pittsburgh, Penn., and Lois Elliott, Overland Park, Kan.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Reta worked 35 years as an office clerk for the United States Department of Agriculture retiring in 1981. She was a member of Williamsburg United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star, Sadana, Chapter #194, Tequa EHU and Past Matrons Club of Eastern Star.

She enjoyed being active in the church and was instrumental in the formation of W.inG.S., Workers in God’s Service, at the Williamsburg United Methodist Church. Reta also enjoyed spending time sewing, knitting, crocheting and playing the piano.

The family suggests memorial contributions to W.inG.S. c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kan. 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Reta’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.