Mildred Ann Harding

Mildred Ann Harding, 86, of Conklin, passed from this world into the presence of her Savior on January 8, 2016 after a brief illness. Milly spent her last hours surrounded by all of her children and those grandchildren who could reach her side. She was predeceased by; her husband, George Harding; her parents, Harold and Ethel VanHart; and five siblings, Doris, Jack, Jim, Betty Lou, and Jeanette. She is survived by; two siblings, Harold and Bob; four children, Stephen (Sandra) Gheen, Timothy (Diane) Gheen, Richard (Theresa) Gheen, and Sheri (Terry) Jenks; 13 grandchildren, James Gheen, Crystal Gheen, Laura (Rolando) Dominguez, Brooke Gheen, Richard (Roxy) Gheen, Angela Gheen, Anthony Gheen, Matthew (Beth) Jenks, Nathan (Elisa) Jenks, Ruth (Austin) Jackson, Hannah Jenks, Mary Beth Jenks, Josiah Jenks and thirteen great-grandchildren. Milly was born at home on Tremont Ave in Binghamton. She graduated from high school in Binghamton and then from Practical Bible Training School (now Davis College). After Bible School, Milly joined two of her sisters as missionaries in Puerto Rico working in an orphanage caring for children. As a strong Christian woman with a deeply developed faith she continued to help and assist others the rest of her life. She lived most of her adult life in Conklin and raised her children on the same road and within a half mile of her parents and most of her siblings and their children. She worked in food service often working two jobs to meet her family's needs. She worked many years as a cook in the Susquehanna Valley Central School District. Milly passionately loved her Lord and Savior and her family. She used her gifts in music to play the piano, organ and accordion in the church. She modeled love, acceptance and forgiveness to her children and their children. Her house was open to friends and family with whom she shared meals, a cup of coffee, and friendship. Her love and care touched many hearts over the years. A true testament to her is while she told the words of her faith it was her compassion and actions that spoke the loudest. Milly's nonjudgmental and forgiving qualities were evident as she approached life's issues. It's clear she believed God doesn't give you more than you can handle; rather God helps you to handle what life gives you. The beautiful peace that Milly brought to others as she cared and reassured them reflected a little bit of heaven here on earth. Her actions were visible and woven into all areas of her life; she passed along these attributes to her family and friends. A wonderful gift our heavenly father gave us as she was called Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, wife Sister and Friend. She will be sorely missed. Funeral Services will be celebrated 11am Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the Faith Bible Church 1807 Hawleyton Rd, Binghamton, NY 13903 with Pastor Dr. Aaron Keteles officiating. The family will welcome friends for reflection on Tuesday at Faith Bible Church from 4 to 6 pm and Wednesday morning from 10 am until the time of the service. In Lieu of flowers please make donations in her memory to Faith Bible Church.