Mildred Jean (Swearingen) Hearn passed away surrounded by family on December 25, 2022 at the Frankfort Community Care Home, Frankfort KS. She was born to Clarence and Dorothy Swearingen on July 27, 1935 in Missouri. She married Robert Hearn Sr. on November 11, 1952 and they were married for nearly 64 years before his passing. Mildred was a devoted, yet strong willed, wife and her marriage was very important to her.
Mildred was well known for her cooking, especially her pies. She cooked for many years at local restaurants and at one time had her own establishment, often referred to as “Mel’s Diner” in downtown Waterville. She took pleasure in passing on her talents to the next generation, teaching her grandchildren her recipes. Mildred was proud of providing a home to 6 children as a foster parent in the 1980s. She greatly enjoyed trips to the casinos and playing Bingo as often as she could.
Mildred and Bob lived several places throughout their marriage but always returned to Waterville, which she considered home. Mildred was known for her feisty attitude and unique approach to life. She always had something to say about everything and was sure to get the final word.
Mildred loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Spending time with family was one of her greatest joys, especially in her later years. She is survived by her sons, Robert Hearn Jr. (and Jayne), Livingston TX and Colby Hearn (and Sherill), Waterville KS; and grandchildren Olavee Raub (and Brian), Ellis KS; Jeremiah Hearn (and Kristi), Huntsville TX; Noe` Hearn, Greeley CO; Ashley Lyhane, Marysville KS; John Hearn (and Casy), Waterville KS; Kimberly Hearn, Beaumont TX; Tiffany Hearn, Beaumont TX; and Isaiah Hearn, Livingston TX; along with several great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren, along with others she considered grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, from noon until 8:00 p.m. at Christie-Anderes Funeral Home in Waterville. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services are planned for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Waterville United Methodist Church with Pastor Joseph Raub officiating. Special music will be a prerecording of “I Will Always Love You”. Casket Bearers are: John Hearn, Jeremiah Hearn, Noe` Hearn, Isaiah Hearn, Michael Milton and Brian Raub. Honorary Bearers are: Ronnie Swearingen, Mick Swearingen and Doug Swearingen. Burial is at will be at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville.
Memorials are suggested to Foster The Cause (for support and equipping foster parents) and may be sent in care of Christie-Anderes Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, KS 66548