Mildred LeGrand

Mildred Dorothy LeGrand, 97, of Benton, Missouri died peacefully in her sleep early Thursday morning, October 6, 2022 at her home. She was born July 8, 1925 in Benton to Andrew (Andy) Calvin and Agnes Mary Welter LeGrand. She and Gilbert Henry LeGrand of New Hamburg, Missouri were married October 24, 1944 in Benton. He preceded her in death on May 7, 2003. Mildred was a graduate of St. Denis Grade School and Benton High School where she lettered as a guard on the basketball team, was the valedictorian of the Class of 1943, and received scholarships to Southeast Missouri State Teachers College and Cape Business School. She was a lifelong member of St. Denis Catholic Church and St. Anne Sodality. She belonged to the Red Hat Society and was a charter member of the American Legion Post 369 Auxiliary. In the wake of WWII, she joined Gilbert in Norfolk, Virginia where he was stationed by the U.S. Navy and where the couple brought their first child into the world. They returned to Benton to raise their family, and she was proud that all their eleven children graduated St. Denis Grade School and Kelly (Benton) High School as did she. It was also her pride to be the niece of the first person from Benton (Joseph LeGrand) to become a priest and to serve as a flower girl at his ordination. Prior to her passing, Mildred was the oldest resident of Benton. She enjoyed gardening, visiting friends and relatives, and word games whether in person or on TV. Survivors include seven daughters: Doris (E.P.) Priggel of Portageville, Denise LeGrand of Ballwin, Nancy (the late Terry) Weissmueller of Chaffee, Tammy (Dean) Cowell of Marble Hill, Patricia (Randy) Hobeck of Friedheim, Taryn (Jim) Lovett of Charleston, Mary (Steve) Young of Benton; four sons: Timothy (Christy) LeGrand of Benton, Tedman LeGrand of Benton, Raymond (Cathy) LeGrand of Oran, and Kevin LeGrand of Washington, DC; and brother, Maurice (Patty) LeGrand of Houston, TX. In addition, she will be truly missed by her many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren as well as her six godchildren and nieces, nephews, and beloved friends too numerous to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two sisters, Geraldine Douglas and Wilma Grojean; and brother, Leon LeGrand. Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton with the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 10, 2022 at St. Denis Catholic Church in Benton with the Rev. Bala Swamy Govindu officiating. Burial will be in St. Denis Catholic Church Cemetery in Benton. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Denis Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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Mildred LeGrand

July 8, 1925 - October 6, 2022