Mildred N. Crutchfield

Mrs. Mildred N. Crutchfield, age 103 years, of Scottsdale, Ariz., formerly of Jefferson City, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2016, at the Eckstein Center, Hospice of the Valley. She was born on December 30, 1912, in Penelope, Texas, a daughter of the late Leslie and Nona (O'Neal) Murrell. She was married on August 30, 1937, in Kansas City, Kan. to the Reverend John Crutchfield. Mildred was raised in Texas and graduated from Wichita Falls High School in 1932. She attended Baylor University in Waco, Texas and went on to receive her bachelor's degree in religious studies from William Jewell College. She later went back to school to receive her degree in education from Lincoln University. She loved being an elementary school teacher at South School and cherished her 19 years teaching children until her retirement in 1978. With her husband being a pastor, Mildred was a woman of deep faith. She was an active member of First Baptist Church where she enjoyed teaching Sunday school and helping with church camps. Mildred was an avid reader and spent many late nights finishing a book. She also enjoyed cooking with pies being her specialty. One of her favorite places to spend time with family was at their cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks. Survivors include: her daughter, Jane A. Patterson and her husband Jack of Scottsdale, Ariz.; three nieces, Fran Bussert, Leslie Kidd, Jody Ranney; and one nephew, Ed Cox. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, on April 23, 1999; her daughter, Joyce A. Jackson in April, 1999; two sisters, Norene Bussert and Leslie Cox; and her brother, Bob Murrell. Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016. A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2016, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Dr. Doyle Sager officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the First Baptist Church or the charity of donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary. www.freemanmortuary.com