Mildred Elaine Gleason

Mildred Elaine Gleason, 90, of Ossian, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. She was born on February 11, 1933 in Rockford, Illinois, a daughter of the late Rev. Stanley and Minnie (Shields) Birdsall. Mildred graduated from Mt. Carroll High School and received her bachelor's degree from Huntington College in 1955. She taught elementary school for over 35 years in Illinois and California. She was a member of The United Brethren Church in Christ, president of the WMA, and helped with MOPs, among many other things. Mildred is survived by her sons, Mark (Amy) Settle and David (Diana Masters) Settle; step-daughters, Diane (Mark Stoeve) Whitmer and Peggy (Tom) Beasley; grandchildren, Ryan Settle, Brianna (Settle) Cortes, Shelby Settle, Jack Settle, Shane Settle, Rebecca Settle; great-grandson, Benjamin Aker; step-grandchildren, Kari (Shawn) Brown, Jeremy (Brandy) Whitmer, Heather (Julio) Alvarez, Kevin (Tessa) Beasley, David Beasley, Deborah (Blake) Gooch and step-great-grandchildren, Ryan Brown, Travis Brown, Crew Whitmer, Callie Whitmer, Eliana Alvarez, Orion Alvarez, Jaxton Gooch and Oaklee Gooch. She was also preceded in passing by her first husband, Jack L. Settle 1959-1986; second husband, Robert M. Gleason 1991-2013; sister, Maxine Livengood; brothers, Rev. Roger Birdsall and Rev. Russell Birdsall; step-son, David Gleason; and step-grandson, Evan Gleason. A Celebration of Life to be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 18, 2024 at Emmanuel Community Church 12222 W US-24 Fort Wayne, Indiana 46814. Visitation and light reception to be held after the Celebration. Memorial contributions can be made to Emmanuel Community Church or Huntington University.