Mildred M. Alley, 92, lifelong resident of Holton, passed away Friday, April 24, 2015 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka.

She was born July 16, 1922 in Holton, the daughter of Ora and Edgarreta “Reta” (Decker) Duffy.  She graduated from Holton High School in 1940 and worked at Jackson County Courthouse.  On December 24, 1942 Mildred married her highschool sweetheart, LeRoy Alley, in Hugo, Oklahoma.  They had sent home 17 telegrams (to notify her parents of their marriage) before the notification was received due to military censorship.  After the couple returned home they helped start Mayetta Meatlocker.  Two years later they became the owners/operators of Alley-Duffy Lockers in Holton and later owned and operated Duffy’s IGA (at the same location).  Mildred later worked for Missouri Beef (which is now Banner Creek LLC) and was the first woman ever allowed to work on the kill floor.  In her latter years she proudly became known as “Grandma Millie” to several foster grandkids in the Laurie Johnson Foster Grandparent Program.  Mildred was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton and served in the Ruth Circle.  She was also a member of the Eastern Star and Holton VFW Ladies Auxiliary. 

On November 18, 1977 LeRoy preceded Mildred in death.  Also preceding her in death was her cousin and best friend Juanita Cozad.  She is survived by: her son, Dennis Alley of Holton, KS; her step sister Delilah (Walt) Foresman of Topeka, KS;   her grandchildren, Arin Alley of Topeka, KS and Reva Alley of Holton, KS; and her several foster grandkids through the program.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton.  Burial will follow in Holton Cemetery.  The family will greet friends Monday evening at the funeral home from 6-8:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church and may be left in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270 Holton, 66436.  To leave a special message for the family, visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com