| "Millie"Mildred Irene Bourne Mildred Irene Bourne was born on August 23, 1912 in Caddoa, Colorado and was called home by her Lord on March 27, 2008 at the age of 95 years. Mildred was born to a Southeastern Colorado pioneer family and lived to be one of the last of her generation that not only settled Southeast Colorado but survived the Great Depression and the dust bowl. Both events left a lasting mark on Mildred. Her Gill home farm was granted "Centennial Farm" status in 2000. The Gill farm remains within the family today.
Mildred was preceded in death by her parents Elmer Dewitt and Dorothy Olive Wans Gill; her husband Samuel M. Bourne, one daughter Bonnie Lou Cline, son in law Joe Cline, her two broth ers, James Gill and John Gill and two sisters, Hazel Roesch and Edith Wilson. Mildred is survived by two daughters, Betty Sue (Richard) Fenwick and Marjorie Bourne (Joe) Miller; five grandchildren, Stanley (Lora) Cline, Tami Cline (Burt Farrish), Steve (Jana) Cline, Kristine (Tim) McKay and  John (Kathy) Fenwick; eight great grandchildren, Morgan, Mallory and Adrianne Cline, Jackson, Parker, and Sophie Cline, and Nicholas and Megan Fenwick. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a long lifetime of former students and friends.
Mildred first attended a one room school and graduated from McClave High School in 1930. She received her teaching certificate from Colorado Teachers College (now University of Northern Colorado) and returned to Southeast Colorado to teach in one room schools of Horse Creek and Lubers. She later received her degree from Adams State College in 1960.
She married her high school sweetheart, Sam Bourne in 1935 and they moved to the Bourne farm near McClave, Colorado. Sam always told his children and grandchildren that he married Mildred because she had a job during the Great Depression and she had saved $500 so he could buy a new tractor. She remained on the farm following Sam's death in 1995 until her health required her to move to Weisbrod Memorial Nursing Home in Eads, Colorado in 2003.
Mildred taught first grade in the McClave School District for 20 years. She retired from teaching in 1976. She always greatly appreciated receiving Christmas cards from her former students.
After retirement, she devoted her love to her three great granddaughters who lived next to her and Sam on the farm. Mildred and Sam enjoyed traveling following their retirement, especially the cruises through the Panama Canal and to Alaska. Mildred also toured the Holy Land and Egypt in 1996 where at 84 she rode a camel. Sam and Mildred purchased a home in Sun City, Arizona and thoroughly enjoyed the winters as snowbirds. Mildred made many close friendships during these winter stays in Arizona.
Mildred was a lifetime member of the McClave United Methodist Church and the McClave United Methodist Women. She devoted her life to her Church. Mildred loved to tell stories about cooking and serving meals in the Church basement.
Mildred's sense of humor will be treasured and remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Online Condolences | | Mildred was the sweetest person that I have ever met. We always had a good laugh over anything that came up while we were talking. She taught both our sons At McClave and she always told me that our son Greg was always her favorite . I knew she had a lot of favorites. It was a real pleasure knowing Mildred Bourne. Our deepest sympathy to her family. Arnold and Norma Sneller | | We want to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Mildred Bourne. Mildred and Mom (Ruth Koch) were "Bingo" players at the nursing home,they looked forward to that each day.I'm sure they will be playing better games where they both are now. The Children of Ruth Koch Gene, Pete, Kenny, and Patti | | Please pass our condolences on to everyone in the family, Jan and I were really sorry to learn of the passing of Mildred. Having "grown up" in McClave, with the Bourne clan always around brings lots of fond memories back. Jim & Jan Falconburg | | Your mother and grandmother will always be remembered fondly in our family. She devoted herself to teaching and it was much appreciated by all her students. Her always cheerful attitude and smile endeared her to us all. She was always very encouraging to each of us and very proud when any of her students had an accomplishment to share with her. I very much enjoyed seeing her at the last school reunion and spending a few minutes with her then. Love, Peggy (Falconburg) Harris | | Stan, Laura & families, We are sorry for your loss. Mildred was a wonderful woman. She used to clean house for my grandparents and helped care for my grandmother, Valeria Sharp, when I was a young child. I loved visiting with her over the years. May God comfort you at this time. Ben & Jo Elmore Vinita, OK | | Stan, Lora, and families, I have fond memories of "Mrs. Bourne" Even at my age, I can still remember her as my first grade teacher. She has always been very special. I remember my mother telling me of the visits they had when my mom would sit with your girls, and the phone calls they shared even after she went to the nursing home. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Cheryl(Burgess)Owens | | I used to be a CNA at Weisbrod Memorial Hospital and took care of "Milli." She was a wounderful lady, and we shared the same birthday, she loved that. She had a great sense of humor and made my job special and fun. Sorry for you loss. J'Nai Fisher. |
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