MILDRED IRENE (ELGIN) was born in Denver, Colorado on November 2, 1915, the third of Alpheus Lewis Elgin and Ethel (Brintnall) Elgin's four daughters. She grew up in the small town of Arvada, where she developed her lifelong love of singing. Although she often joked about it being just a bit scandalous, she fell in love with a (slightly) younger man, and she married Orval Roy Buchleiter on October 6, 1939. Shortly after the birth of their first son, Orval was called to service in World War II. Mildred stayed in Arvada while her husband served as a medic in the European Theatre. After Orval's safe return, they were blessed with two more children. In 1955, Orval's job with the telephone company demanded a move to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Laying aside concerns that the family might need to learn Spanish, Mildred packed up the household and moved from Colorado. In Albuquerque, the family put down deep roots, becoming the vital heart of their neighborhood and vibrant members of their new-found church family at Trinity United Methodist Church. She became an active member of United Methodist Women, eventually serving as President of the Local, District and Conference levels of the organization. Mildred sang in the church's Chancel Choir for years, and was a fixture at every church potluck and dinner. Never one to be self-important, she was a quiet and effective leader with a deeply rooted faith in God. She and Orval loved square dancing, and spent many an evening swinging around a dance floor. Mildred was deeply committed to her family. She served as a leader for both Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. She and Orval created a gracious home where family was always comfortable and guests were warmly welcomed. As their family grew and scattered across the country, Mildred and Orval's home remained the gathering point for holidays, and on countless Thanksgivings, Christmases and Easter Sundays the home would be filled with intoxicating aromas as she prepared amazing meals in her impossibly small kitchen. They enjoyed spending evenings playing pinochle with friends or dominoes and "Chicken Scratch" with their grandchildren. She had a love of simple things: the colors of fall foliage in the mountains, family camping trips, the blazing colors of a New Mexico sunset, the cool light of a full moon. Mildred and Orval shared a deep and abiding love, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in October of 2004. It was clear to all who saw them look at each other that their love continued to grow and flourish with each passing year. They continued to enjoy the simple pleasure of holding hands and flirting with each other until his passing in July of 2005. Mildred Buchleiter passed away quietly in the company of her family on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at the age of 96 years. As she is reunited with Orval and seated as an honored guest at the Lord's table, her memory is vibrantly alive and treasured by her survivors: Orin Lewis Buchleiter and wife Leslie of Edgewood, NM; Charles Roy Buchleiter and wife Suzanne of Dayton, TN; Wanda Kay West and husband Ray of Siloam Springs, AR; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great granddaughters; and far too many family members, dear friends and loved ones to mention. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3715 Silver Ave. SE. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy are urged to consider making a donation in Mildred's memory either to the Trinity United Methodist Church, 3715 Silver Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108; or to the New Mexico Boys & Girls Ranch, 6209 Hendrix NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110. Please visit our online guest book for Mildred at www.RememberTheirStory.com. FRENCH 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333
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