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Tribute to
My mind is flooded with thoughts, anecdotes, and memories of her. In time, I will compose some of these here. For now, these recently printed items, gleaned from other sources, will have to suffice. |
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Red Cross, Oregon Trail Chapter
Portland, Oregon, Tuesday, March 12, 2002 - Mildred Axmaker has been a hero to her neighbors in Colton (near Estacada) for almost four decades. In 1964, she helped establish the Colton Aid Network, an all-volunteer church-based organization that helps families who have lost their homes to fire or other disasters, or who temporarily need assistance with food, rent, or energy costs. Axmaker has been a driving force behind the Colton Aid Network ever since, picking up fresh produce from local farmers, organizing volunteers to sort and deliver clothing and putting on fund drives to help families who have lost loved ones to accidents or illness. She has managed this while raising five children, helping with several grandchildren and running a small business. Eighty-four years old and battling cancer, Axmaker was still on the job for this winter’s holiday food basket drive, baking pastries and directing other volunteers in delivering dozens of food baskets to their neighbors. Portland, Oregon, Tuesday, March 12, 2002 - Mildred Axmaker has been a hero to her neighbors in Colton (near Estacada) for almost four decades. In 1964, she helped establish the Colton Aid Network, an all-volunteer church-based organization that helps families who have lost their homes to fire or other disasters, or who temporarily need assistance with food, rent, or energy costs. Axmaker has been a driving force behind the Colton Aid Network ever since, picking up fresh produce from local farmers, organizing volunteers to sort and deliver clothing and putting on fund drives to help families who have lost loved ones to accidents or illness. She has managed this while raising five children, helping with several grandchildren and running a small business. Eighty-four years old and battling cancer, Axmaker was still on the job for this winter’s holiday food basket drive, baking pastries and directing other volunteers in delivering dozens of food baskets to their neighbors. |
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Obituary, The Oregonian, July 16, 2002 A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, 2002, in Molalla Church of the Nazarene for Mildred Axmaker, who died July 12 at age 84. Mildred Emily Freeman was born Nov. 10, 1917, in Colton. She owned Sandy Florist Shop and Cedar Lake Florist. In March 2002, she received the American Red Cross Community Hero Award. She married Walter in 1937; he died in 1988. Survivors include her sons, Robert and Gerald; daughters, Carole Dunton, Lucille Marsh and Audrey Howe; brothers Charles Freeman and Glenn Freeman; sisters, Dorothy Moore, Blanche Frickey, and Esther Hemphill; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Remembrances to the Mildred Axmaker Memorial Fund in care of Canyon Creek Bible Fellowship Church. Arrangements by Estacada Funeral. Obituary, Molalla Pioneer, July 17, 2002 Mildred Emily Freeman Axmaker passed away on Friday, July 12,2002 in her home at 5:45 p.m. She was born to Charles and Jesse Phillips Freeman on November 10, 1917, the third of six children. Raised in the Colton countryside, she enjoyed picking blackberries and huckleberries with her family. She married Walter Axmaker on June 13, 1937 at the Colton Advent Christian Church. They had five children. Mildred worked from her home as a florist, later opening the Sandy Florist Shop, then moving the business back to Colton as Cedar Lake Florist. Walter preceded her in death in 1988. Mildred was a member of Canyon Creek Bible Fellowship. She served as Sunday School Superintendent, church clerk, youth director, pianist, head cook at many camps, teaching children, and much, much more. She lived a life of example and radiated a love for the Lord. The hallmark of her life was servanthood. She helped create the Colton Aid Network and was recognized as the citizen of the year by the Colton Fire District in 2001. She received the American Red Cross Community Hero Award in March 2002. She is survived by her five children, Robert Axmaker of Wilsonville, Gerald Axmaker of Colton, Carole Dunton of Molalla, Lucille Marsh of Colton, and Audrey Howe of Canby; two brothers, Charles Freeman of Eugene and Glenn Freeman of Medford; three sisters, Dorothy Moore of Medford, Blanche Frickey of Salem and Esther Hemphill of Medford; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. The memorial service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2002 at Molalla Church of the Nazarene at 2 p.m. Donations can be made to the Mildred Axmaker Memorial Fund and will be divided among Canyon Creek Bible Fellowship, Colton Aid Network, Colton Fire Department, and Willamette Falls Hospice.
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