"I will never forget the way Kent and Minnietta supported and guided me on the journey to ordained ministry. Minnietta had such a loving and gentle spirit that remained strong until the end. She was a gift and will be missed by so many of us. "
In loving memory of
Minnietta Millard
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Minnietta Millard, 69, began her journey into eternal life on September 9, 2011.
Minnietta was an accomplished stained glass artist, author, and spiritual guide and mentor for many people. Her beautiful and inspiring stained glass creations are found in churches, homes and businesses all around the world. In 2006 she wrote a book about her life journey entitled, A CLOSER LOOK: A THEOLOGY OF THE ORDINARY about finding God?s guidance in the ordinary experiences of life.
Minnietta was a loving wife to her husband, Dr. Kent Millard, for 48 years and they were blessed with two wonderful children, Kendall Millard, an attorney at Barnes and Thornburg and Koretta Hall, a social worker with at risk children in Indianapolis.
Her life was greatly blessed by Kendall and his wife Katherine Millard and their children, Madison, MacKenzie, Morgan and Marshall and by Koretta and her husband Eddie Hall and their children, Tre?, Jalen, and Taylor. She loved and cherished her family.
Minnietta was born October 28, 1941 in Pierre, South Dakota to George and Hazel Green who are both deceased. Bill Green, her brother, and his wife Kay live in Rio Vista,California and her sister Jeanette Green lives in Vermillion, South Dakota. Minnietta also loved her sisters in law, Sheilah, Judy and Darshan and her 13 nieces and nephews, Lori, Kristi, Scott, Jana, Haley, Shawn, Laurie, Sam, Sahra, Matthew, Lars, Nathan and Jonathan.
Minnietta graduated from Redfield, South Dakota High School in 1959 and received her Bachelor?s degree from Dakota Wesleyan University in 1963 where she was elected Miss Wesleyan, the highest honor given to a graduating Senior. On September 29, 2011 Dakota Wesleyan will give Minnietta and Kent Millard a Distinguished Alumni award. Minnietta received a Master?s degree in Christian Education from Boston University School of Theology in 1966 and served as a Director of Christian Education in local churches for 10 years before becoming a Stained Glass artist for 25 years.
In South Dakota Minnietta served as Chairperson of the United Methodist Conference Committee on the Status and Role of Women, directed Junior High Church Camps, taught confirmation classes and led adult classes and workshops in several states. Kent and Minnietta served United Methodist congregations in Flandreau-Egan, Rapid City, Mitchell, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
After moving to Indianapolis in 1993 when Kent became Senior Pastor at St. Luke?s United Methodist Church, Minnietta served as President of the Board of Directors of the Vivian Smith Teen Parenting Program and Director of a Three Year Covenant Community for Spiritual Formation. She has also been an active supporter of Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem and the Mar Elias interfaith school in Israel. Minnietta helped to bring the Beyond Your Best personal training program to Indianapolis and, in her honor, Beyond Your Best established the Minnietta Millard Lifetime Achievement Award given to the person in each training who has made the greatest contribution to the growth of others.
Minnietta was an active member of St. Luke?s United Methodist Church in Indianapolis singing in the Chancel Choir for 18 years, serving on the Spiritual Life Center committee, mentoring confirmation students, going on work projects, speaking to various groups and leading adult classes.
In her book A CLOSER WALK Minnietta wrote these words for her epitaph:
?She was a person of vision in her career, community and family. She balanced the paradoxes of life in an ongoing trust in God?s word. She created unconditional love, openness, and integrity in her family and world, beauty to touch the souls of those who seek, and a better world through the God of all Creation. She was an alive, caring, committed woman standing for a new world.?
Minnietta Millard?s celebration of life service will be at St. Luke?s United Methodist Church, 100 West 86th Street, Indianapolis on Friday, September 16 at 2 pm with visitation at the church from noon until 2 pm.
Minnietta requested that everyone wear brightly colored clothes to her memorial service to celebrate the beauty and joy of eternal life. Her family requests that anyone who has stained glass creations created by Minnietta to feel free to bring them for a display table.
You are invited to visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may share a personal memory of Minnieta, sign the guest book or arrange for a memorial contribution to St. Luke?s United Methodist Church for the Minnietta and Kent Millard Scholarship Fund at Dakota Wesleyan University or the St. Luke?s Music Department or Spiritual Life Center.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Leppert Mortuary Nora Chapel.
Tributes
"Dear Kent and Family........there are simply no words that can possibly express how deeply I feel for all of you and your loss. I have followed Minnietta's blog and other writings since her diagnosis last fall. She actually filled all of us with a peace that went beyond understanding.......how can a person do that for others when they are passing and should be the one who is being comforted? But Minnietta did that. We all know one thing......we know that she is with Jesus. We know that she was totally accepting of her fate. Not many families have that knowledge about their loved one who has passed. I only want to let you know that you're all loved so much by the entire community.............she will always live on for and through each one of us and surely through each of you."
"To the family of Minnietta: One doesn't always know exactly to comfort a family in this case. I can only tell you how much I appreciated and loved Minnietta. She was a true treasure. May her family feel the loving spirit of God. And the loving spirit of Minnietta."
"What a lady. How proud you must be of her. May you never forget your favorite memories"
"My Dear Brother,Kendall and Koretta, We are all so sad inside . Minnietta wants us to Celebrate her crossing over. So I will wear my bright yellow jacket and honor her with All my love and her life!! xoxoSheilah"
"Minnietta is such a spiritual, loving, grace-filled being! I am sure in my heart she is rejoicing and embracing all of us with her warmth. A class act who will be greatly missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing her. I can almost feel her hug just by thinking of her."
"A beautiful, graceful, lady, Minnietta, full of love has passed on to larger life, may light perpetual shine upon her. Her legacy will live on here for all of us who were blessed to have known her. I will miss her smile and the twinkle in her eyes when she would talk with me on Sunday after services sometimes. What a great lady we have lost. My prayers will be with all family and close friends for comfort during this time. "
"Dear Kent, Kendall, and Koretta - we remember Minietta so fondly from the time you were our neighbors in Rapid City. Even as kids we recognized what a great lady she was. Condolences from Tim, Risa, Richard and Alice Rebbeck."
"Dear Kent, Kendall, Koretta and Family....As my Graceful Directions covenant leader and prayer partner, and as my spiritual guide, Minnietta blessed my life. She helped me grow theologically and spiritually. I will hold her wisdom, her laughter, and her friendship in my heart. May you feel God's arms around you. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"Even though it saddens us to learn of Minnietta's death, we can't help but remember how much we enjoyed her while you were here in Rapid City. Minnietta may be gone from earth but the good memories of her will last us forever. Kent, we send our best to you, Kendall and Koretta. "
"To look at the stained glass windows in St. Luke's Church is to see that they were created by a soul so bursting with love and light that they must be expressed for others to see. To have looked into Minnietta's eyes was to see what kindness looks like. Something has been lost here which can not be replaced, but something has been left here which will not be forgotten. If my theology is correct Kent and Minnietta wil always be together and in the end nothing will be lost.Carver McGriff / Zionsville, IN / "
"My deepest condolences to Kendall, Kent, Koretta and your entire family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. "
"We so appreciated and enjoyed Kent and Minnietta as you ministered to our congregation in Sioux Falls, SD. Do know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers, and may your loving and lovely memories of Minnietta comfort you now and in the days to come."
"Kent and family: St. Luke's was very blessed to have both of you lead us through the years, She was your strength and foundation in your years of serving God and our congregation. She will be missed but not forgotten. Thanks for introducing us to a very delightful lady...Minnietta.Chuck & Shirley Thomas"
"Minnietta was my close friend for 18 years. She was compassionate, empathetic, wise and non judgemental. She was totally open and loved unconditionally. I will forever treasure her friendship. She was passionate about her love for Kent and her family and so proud of every member of that beautiful family. I will always feel privileged to be her friend. Whenever I see brillant colors in a sunrise, sunset or anywhere in the beauty of God's world, I will know that it is a sign from her that she is dancing with the angels and making heaven a better place."
"Kent and Family -- From my days at DWU where you were both upper-classmen, I have such positive, happy memories of the lovely person Minnietta was. ....and yes, I still do remember playing for your wedding. What a special day! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God's love surround you on this journey and may you always cherish your memories of happy times!"
"Many years ago we were privileged to meet and know your family. We have great memories of both of you, and our admiration remains undiminished by time or distance. Your families are in our thoughts and in our prayers. "
"I am writing this from Uganda in the heart of Africa. I was deeply saddened to hear of Minietta's passing. I am reminded of Fanny Crosby's song, "Safe In The Arms Of Jesus" and I know that Minietta is with her Lord. The world is blessed because of her enduring legacy. God bless her family in their time of sorrow."
"My beautiful auntie... until we meet again. Every thought I have of you brings a smile to my face. God bless Uncle Kent and family, your all in my prayers.Love Lauri"
"Dear Dr. Millard and Family....I never had the priviledge of meeting Minnietta but I have met with Dr. Millard a couple of times. I do know the beauty of Minnetta's stained glass work and know that beauty must have flowed from the inside of her very being out into her art. I know that even in the pain and sadness of the loss, there is joy and peace to be found in knowing that she is with her Lord and savior and that there is no more pain. I pray that each of you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you at this time. God bless you!"
"I know the sadness you all are feeling at this moment but also know your faith helps you understand God's plan. Minnietta was such a light of hope to so many! II'll never forget the sermon when she was locked in the deep freeze and remembered to "be still" and the light was seen. She has provided the light to others suffering with cancer and you probably will never know the extent to which she gave so many hope and encouragement. What a loving person! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Donna Willis-Brown"
"Godspeed, Minnietta. You were the best of all of us. Thank you for showing us how to live. Thank you for showing us how to die. If I can exit my mortal life with half as much grace and passion as you have, I will have surpassed my own expectations."
"Kent and family, I continue to pray that God will wrap his comforting arms around you as he welcomes your beloved Minietta home. I had the pleasure of meeting Minietta for lunch at the Meridian this past year and we had a delightful time getting to know one another. While I am unable to celebrate her life with you at St. Luke's Friday, I will something bright and think of her."
" Minnietta and Kent were the happiest couple we have ever known! They led by example. It is an honor to have known them. Minnietta, Kent and the entire Millard family will be in our Hearts, Thoughts and Prayers."
"Carver: your theology is quite correct. It's never "goodbye," but: "I'll see you later." Godspeed to Kent and family. Every time I look at those St. Luke's windows I'll remember her. Her spirit was overwhelming. And, oh...how she taught us how to pass this life into the next. Amen."
"Dear Kent and Family-we are deeply saddened to hear of Minnietta's passing. She was truly a beautiful person and the world was a better place because of her. May your dearest and cherished memories of Minnietta bring you peace during this difficult time. "
"Minnietta's gifts to the world, her children, grandchildren, art, vision, ministries, friendships and love, will last for generations. We feel so blessed to have lived within the fields of friendship which she sowed. With love and prayers, Chris & George"
"Aunt Minnietta.You still are so loved by us up here in Canada. You were an inspiration to all that loved and cared for you. Now that you have everlasting life, I know that you and Grandma Tu-Tu are watching over us. I wish I could have seen you before your passing, but I know we will soon meet again in the clouds.Your loving nephew,Jonathan"
"My deepest condolences to the family from a former Sioux Falls congregant."
"We did not know Minnietta personally, but through attending St. Luke's the last few years we have great appreciation for all that she has inspired in people and the many good works she has done. Our condolences to Kent and all of the family in your time of loss. "
"Pastor Millard and Family, We can only imagine that, given how much you love Minnietta, how deep your sorrow and loss must feel right now. Continue to find peace in how much she loves you. Find her love in everything that continues to be right with this world - the bright colors, the stained glass, and the fact that you have each other to hold on to. She is without pain again and she is singing and smiling upon you. Thank you for sharing her with us and for letting us be inspired by your love story - still one of the greatest of all time. "
"Kent, Kendall, Koretta.....We are all so grieved that she has gone before us. The grace, beauty, trust and faithfulness she lived (and blogged) are incredible lessons for us all. I'm thinking that since God has promised us a home with many rooms, that surely Minnietta has many new project windows in her future! I too will be wearing brightly colored clothes on Friday and will think of all of you and my memories of her and you at FUMC in Mitchell. Love, hugs, and prayers from South Dakota."
"Minnietta will be missed but also celebrated by all those lives that she touched in so many ways. She was so talented and caring. Her passion for social justice will never be forgotten by all those she supported. Her artistic talent and writings will be celebrated forever. Minnietta's life reached far and wide. Her life is truly a gift of God, which lives on in all of those she touched."
"Dear Kent & family,I had very mixed emotions when I heard of Minnietta's death. I was saddened for you her family, for her friends, for myself. But, on the other side I was rejoicing for she is with our Lord now, no more pain, no more doctors, no more treatments, and no more suffering. I also believe for Christians it is not a "good-bye", but rather a "see you later." So I say, I'll see you later Minnietta." God bless you all with God's peace."
"Sunday, I gazed upon a stained glass window. Through tears I saw an angel--rising. Now I understand. Now I am at peace.Kent and family, we at St. Luke's were all blessed by Minnieta's life. Too short. But, nevertheless, a work of art.."
"Kent & family: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time. May all the wonderful memories of Minnietta give you comfort and peace. We still live in your home on Arrow Street in Rapid City & know you also have life long friends from this neighborhood."
"Kent and familyOur prayers are with you at this time in your life. We will always remember the ministry in Mitchell. The very enjoyable trip our families enjoyed in Florida will never be forgotten. The stained glass window that Minnietta made for the nursing home is still in the chapel. Will wear bright clothing Friday to celebrate Minnietta's life. May God's blessing be with you."
"Kent and Family,You have been in our thoughts and prayers throughout this difficult period. We are blessed to have known Minnietta even for a short time. Her presence will always remain with us via the stained glass at St. Luke's. We hope your memory of her will comfort you as continue to trust God no matter what."
"She was a beautiful lady. We will miss her wonderful voice.The entire Millard family have truly been an asset, and more to our church.God bles all of them."
"Dear Kent, Kendall, Koretta & families, I was so saddened - - - for each of you, and for the countless others who bear witness to the beautiful spirit that was our much-loved Minnietta - - - to hear of her passing. While we all grieve this great loss, there are so many wonderful memories to be treasured. Every entry in her blog was an incredible lesson for all who are privileged to read it. My memories of the Millard family and our time together at FUMC in Mitchell bring smiles, tears, joy and laughter. I feel blessed to be able to say 'that beautiful lady touched my life.' I too will be wearing brightly colored clothes on Friday and will think of each of you with much love. Until later, Minnietta . . . Love, hugs, and prayers for all of you."
"My heart is heavy with the sadness your family is enduring. May peace and healing come quickly."
"Kent, Kendall, Koretta and family,I remember watching Minnietta masterfully create her beautiful works of art in her studio growing up with my best friend. She was always patient, loving and understanding, no matter the mischief Kendall and I were whipping up. She is a woman of honor, integrity and most importantly -- unconditional love. Thank you Minnietta! :-)"
"Dear Millard family, May GOD wrap his loving arms around you, comfort you, and grant you peace."
"Dear Kent and Family,Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. We trust your memories and strong belief in God will sustain you in the days and months to follow. As you know Christians always meet again.Volmer and Vonda Jensen"
"Glorious will be the day when we all will rejoice in when we are taken to heaven with our loved ones. Indeed bright and white colors signify the joyfulness and peace that signify our lives. May God continue to bless your family now and always!blessings in christjoe/debbie"
"Kent and Family:Through all the memories, through all the prayers, and through all the expressions of care and sympathy may you find the peace of Christ's comfort, the hope of Christ's resurrection and the anticpation of Christ's presence.Our prayers are for you and our thoughts are with you."
"I was organist for Dr. Millard's mother's service at First UMC, Rapid City, a few years ago. My sincere sympathy to you all. I have known who Mrs. Millard and Dr. Millard were all of my adult life, however, since I was a student at Huron College when she was at DWU. She obviously was a powerful force in every church you both served and in every community in which you have lived."
"I celebrate Minnietta's life and love that she shared so willingly to her family, friends, and her community. I also share the sorrow of losing such a wonderful person. Much love to all friends and family of Minnietta and Kent."
"I am truly blessed in having Minnietta as a kindred spirit and true blue friend since 1976! What a beautiful, loving, caring, and talented friend she was! I miss her very much as we E-mailed one another almost every day in recent years! Knowing that she is with The LORD and Other Loved Ones gone-on before is a comfort in this time of grief.Thomas E & I & Our Family will keep You (Kent) and Your Family in our thoughts and prayers during this time.Love, Hugs, & Continued Prayers,Donna Lee & Thomas E & Family"
"Dear Kent, You and your entire family are in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't have the privledge of knowing Minnietta well; she sounds like she was an amazing, gifted soul. I know you will miss her dearly. I will enjoy the beauty of her stained glass at St. Luke's for years to come. "
"Every time I am at the Big Church and look at the beautiful stained glass windows, I think of Minnietta, the "bright colors" ~ the celebrations of life. To me, they always project the colors of the rainbow ~ De Colores ~ and I feel God's embrace. I thank God for Minnietta's gift to all of us at St. Luke's in her beautiful and loving creativity."
"Kent, we are so saddened to learn of your loss. Minnietta was a very special college friend who inspired those who knew her. Her memory as well as her art will live on in the lives of those she touched. We are so glad that we were able to see you last year at DWU's 125th.With our love and prayers, Stu and Georgiann"
"Minnietta was such a leading person in our covenant group in Academy #9. My prayers go out to Kent and her whole family."