Milford O. Blair
Milford Oren Blair, 91, of Hillsboro, died June 25, 2003, at Hillsboro Community Medical Center Long Term Care Unit in Hillsboro.
Born July 11, 1911, in Canton, he was the son of Oliver and Emma (Brouillette) Blair.
He attended Garfield Grade School and Canton High School. He was baptized Jan. 27, 1924, by Rev. A.S. Edwards at the Canton Baptist Church.
On Aug. 20, 1937, he married Kathryn Ratzlaff at Bethel College Mennonite Church in Newton. She survives. In 1943 they moved to a farm northwest of Lehigh.
In 1956, he began working for Tip Top Dairy in Hillsboro where he worked until his retirement in 1976. The Blairs moved to Hillsboro in 1957.
During retirement, Milford and Kathryn helped establish and volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop in Hillsboro. In 1996, they moved to Park Village.
He was a member of First Mennonite Church, serving in many ways. He enjoyed traveling, recycling, reading, coin collecting, and sports.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lenore Blair, in 1994.
Survivors include his wife of Hillsboro; caregiver, Phyliss E. Meisinger of Hillsboro: and nieces, Donna Blair and Nancy Schlicht of Tempe, Ariz.
Services were held Monday at First Mennonite Church in Hillsboro with Pastor Ken Peterson officiating. Burial was at Haven of Rest Cemetery in rural Hillsboro.
Musicians were Shirley Baltzer, organist; David Clark, soloist; and Pauline Buller, soloist.
Casket bearers were Marlin Bartel, Doug Bartel, Ron Bartel, Mike Kleiber, Arlin Ratzlaff, and Ray Matz.
A memorial fund has been established at First Mennonite Church of Hillsboro.
Condolences may sent to the family at hillsboromem chapel@hotmail.com.
