Doris Julia Milkey

Doris Julia Milkey, 71, a lifetime resident of Plymouth, died of natural causes at her home, 11043 S. Michigan Rd., Plymouth, in the loving care of Ralph, her husband of 53 years, her family and the Marshall County Hospice.

 Julia died at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2000.

 She was born in Plymouth, the daughter of George and Cecile Yochum DeMien, on December 18, 1928.  She attended LaPaz schools and on July 5, 1947, in Plymouth, married Ralph E. Milkey.

A homemaker, Julia enjoyed flower gardening and swimming.  She worked for twenty years, 1969 to 1988 as a night cook at Plymouth’s old Parkview Hospital.  Julia was the subject of news stories in March when St. Joseph’s hospital presented her with a long-wished-for twenty-year commemorative ring for her service at the hospital.

She wore the ring every day though it was too large for her finger, so slender because of her illness.  Every day until she died.  It was a source of great joy and pride during her last weeks of life.

Julia was a member of the North Salem Church and the Women of the Moose #1355, Plymouth. 

  She is survived by her devoted husband, Ralph and by two sons of which she was most proud: Ted E. and Debbie Milkey, Carmel and Russ E. and Susie Milkey of Noblesville.  Nine grandchildren also survive.

 Four brothers and a sister survive as well.  They are: Wallace and Marian DeMien, Peru, Ind., Walt and Mary Lou DeMien and Gene and Marjorie DeMien, all of Plymouth and Fred and Helen DeMien, St. Charles, Illinois.  Her sister, Carol and Kenneth Alwine are from South Bend.

  Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Elsworth DeMien, a brother and Henrietta Snyder, a sister.

Friends may visit with her family on Monday, May 22, 2000, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth, Ind.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Tom Padburg, chaplain of the Marshall County Hospice, will be in the funeral home on Tuesday, May 23, 2000, at 10 a.m.

 Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.

Memorial gifts in Julia’s memory may be made to the Marshall County Hospice.