Mildred Ethel Lider

(May 25, 1922-April 15, 2020)

“From sod hut to Heaven’s open door, Milly’s life was filled with love of her family and her deep faith in God.” A quote from Joanie Boose (Carol Lider’s Mom)

Mildred was the 12th child born to Erik and Ericka Hanson, who immigrated from Ragunda, Jantland Sweden in 1903 and settled in Ludell, Kansas.

Mildred was born in a sod house on May 25, 1922 and lived in the “soddy” for her first 8 years of life. She was baptized in August 1922. At her birth, she was an instant aunt. Her mother died when she was 10 years old and her father died the next year. Her sister Edith (21 years old) became her legal guardian.

Mildred (13 years old) moved to Mt. Vernon, Washington in 1935 with her brother Carl (20) and sister Edith (23). She had her first “real” birthday party at the age of 13 with presents and with aunts, uncles and cousins she did not know. She was confirmed in April 1936. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1940.

Upon graduation, she worked at Person Bakery for two years. Having saved enough money, she attended Pacific Lutheran College (University) for one year (1942-1943). She then attended Everett Junior College for two years and graduated from Everett General Hospital School of Nursing in 1946.

Mildred married Gerald LeRoy Lider, who she met while attending PLC, at Salem Lutheran Church on September 21, 1946. They moved to Issaquah, Washington where Gerald taught school and later became an elementary and middle school principal. Mildred worked part time as a private nurse and general duty nurse in the Seattle area. Most of her time was spent raising her three children, Wendy Oline (September 27, 1949), Eric LeRoy (September 8, 1952) and Kirk Gilmer (December 11, 1959).

She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gerald Lider ( July 2011), 5 brothers (Axel, Hans, Elmer, Carl, Nels) and 6 sisters (Annie, Martha, Agnes, Minnie, Edith, Margaret).

Since Gerald’s death, she lived in the Evergreen Court Senior Community in Bellevue, WA until her death.

She had 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Wendy/Mark Swanson: Nathan/Erin Swanson-Emma (8), Alexander(6); Erika Swanson; Laef /Alix Swanson-Kira (3), Koen (9 months); Kaari/Scott Corbridge-Kajsa (2), Makayla (1 month); Carl Swanson; Colin Swanson; Kirk Swanson; Marit Swanson

Eric/Anne Lider: Brita/Chris Hill-Cody (9), Addie (6), Libbie (3); Annika/Sam Cook-Josie (3), Kai (4 months); Lars Lider

Kirk/Carol Lider: Josh/Camille Lider-Andrew (5), Nathan (3), Isaac (8 months); Matt Lider; Chris/Briana Lider

She has had various names throughout her life: Milly, Bid, Aunt Mitten and MorMor.

She was active in Bible Study Fellowship, a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Bellevue and Eastside Nurses Association.

She filled us with many memories: Swedish traditions, lefse, pickled herring, lutefisk, homemade noodles, cinnamon rolls and bread, Swedish pancakes, trailer camping, gardening, Jesus and time with her family. She is loved and will be missed.

Remembrances can be sent to: PLU Office of Advancement, Tacoma, WA 98447. Please specify the Gerald and Mildred Lider Scholarship or donate online on the PLU Advancement web page and click on “Donate online” and specify the Gerald and Mildred Lider Scholarship. You can also contribute to Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) on line at: www.bsfinternational.org

A Memorial service will be held at a later date.