Hancock – Mildred R. “Millie” Rathbun Whitman, 94, of Main Street, Hancock, MA, died on Friday, October 3, 2008, at Springside of Pittsfield under the care of HospiceCare in the Berkshires.
Born in Hancock on September 10, 1914, she was the daughter of Chloe Rathbun and was raised by her grandparents Alfred and Blanche Rathbun. She was the loving wife of the late William H. Whitman who died on August 29, 1987. They were married in Pittsfield, MA, on June 17, 1933.
A lifelong resident, she attended schools in Hancock and Pittsfield. She served as postmaster of the Hancock Post Office in her home for over 35 years retiring in 1996. She was a member of the Hancock Grange for 76 years and a member of the Hancock Baptist Church. Millie was also involved in the Red Cross, the Willing Workers Community Group and was a 4H leader. She loved animals and flowers.
Survivors include her daughter, Alma Whitman and husband Richard Kingsley of Manchester, CT, a foster daughter, Georgianna Balantine of Alabama, her grandchildren, Duane A. and wife Elaine Kingsley of Coventry, CT, Dean and wife Donna Kingsley of Hancock, and a great-granddaughter, Hannah Mildred Kingsley. She is pre-deceased by a son, Henry A. Whitman, and a foster daughter, Gladys Lee Cullman.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday evening, October 7, at 7 pm in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown where Rev. Angela Buchauer officiated. Relatives and friends were invited for visitation starting at 4 pm on Tuesday. Private interment will take place in the Hancock Cemetery next to her loving husband.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock Baptist Church, the Community Christmas Tree at Hancock School, the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department or the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in care of the funeral home, PO Box 9, Stephentown, NY, 12168, in loving memory of Millie.