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Services
Thursday, February 4, 2016
White Chapel Memorial Gardens
6600 NE Antioch Rd.
Gladstone, MO 64119
10:30 a.m.
Helen "Christine" (Downing) Millard

Christine was born in Tulsa, Okla., to Fannie and Elbert Downing, along with her older brother Dennis and sister Myrtle. After her father died, Mr. Charles Sharp married Fannie and became a loving step-father. She lived in multiple homes throughout her childhood: a state run girls home, with her Aunt Mina in Warrensburg, and with her mother and step-father. Living in the girls home left a deep impression on Christine, that she carried with her to her dying day, not wanting to ever reside in a "home" again.

When she struck out on her own, she moved to Kansas City, working various secretarial jobs including Pitney Bowes. She met her husband George Theodore Millard on a blind date, set up by friends Edith and Keith, who joined the couple in a double wedding on March 7, 1941. They were a happy couple, supported by Ted's work as a radio station engineer. Nine months later, Pearl Harbor was bombed, and Ted was sent off to war. When W.W. II ended in 1945, the couple restarted lift in Kansas City, Mo., happily entertaining friends at their house and engaging in the community. Ted's company held his position for him after the war, and he remained a broadcast engineer, first in radio, and then in the dawning of TV, working at KCMO. They had two children, Margot and Gary. They were founding members of the Unity Church of Kansas City North, in 1958 with Rev. Dr. George Hilbert.

After Ted retired at age 63, he and Christine traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states, and Europe. Margo died tragically in 1979, leaving a deep scar in her family's hearts. Gary married Barbara Wiksten in 1977, and grandchildren Stephanie and Sean joined the family in the following years. Lovingly called, Grammy, Christine played whiffle ball with the grandkids regularly in the back yard, hassled by Ted not to wear herself out. Ted died at the age of 89, and Christine continued living in their home independently.

Christine passed away in her sleep on February 2, 2016, at the age of 96, after several days in the care of the Hospice House of North Kansas City Hospital. Christine's life was not an easy one. Her character and determination were built by tough times and repeated tragedies. In spite of this, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, and told us that she had had a good life. She was adamant and staying in her house until she died, not wanting to return to a "home" again. She accomplished this goal, driving her own car until the age of 93 and living on her own in her house of 50 plus years, with the support of her family and neighbors. She outlived almost all of her friends, who otherwise would be here to celebrate her life.

Her memory will be cherised always, by those who have been blessed to know and love her.

Christine is preceded in death by her husband, George Theodore Millard; her daughter, Margo Elaine Norman; and her great granddaughter, Malynne Marie Millard.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Barbara Millard; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Millard) and Joshua Knapp, and Sean Millard and Sadina (Phillips) Millard; and her great granddaughter, Maddelina Hart Millard (daughter of Sean and Sadina).

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 4, 2016 at White Chapel Memorial Gardens with Pastor Robert Shelton officiating.

Arrangements are through Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.




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