MILDRED MARIE "TILLIE" HIGDON, 85, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday night, March 26, 2014 at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Born August 31, 1928 in Cowley County, she was the daughter of Robert J. and Anna (Goodaile) Schwantes. Tillie was raised and received her education in Winfield and graduated with the Winfield High School class of 1947.

She was united in marriage to Glen L. Higdon on February 17, 1947. The couple made their home in Winfield. They were married 54 years. She worked at Walker's Grocery Store, Daylight Donuts and at Merchandise Mart, now known as True Value. Glen preceded her in death on September 19, 2001.

Tillie was a long time member of the First Christian Church in Winfield and was a long time member of the William Newton Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading and doing jigsaw puzzles. She also loved bird watching and cleaning.

Her family includes:

Her sons: Jeff Higdon and wife, Terri; and Mike Higdon all of Winfield;

Her step grandchildren: Tanya Chancellor, and Cathi Wilson and husband, Greg; and

Her 7 step great-grandchildren: Stephanie, London, Joseph, Ashley, Blake, Betrai and Braezy.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Tillie was preceded in death by her four brothers, Bert Richard, Donald Lee, Ernest Leroy and Donald Richard Schwantes, and her sister, Roberta Mae "Sally" Schwantes.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at Highland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday evening from 4 to 8 P.M.

A Memorial has been established in Tillie's name for St. Jude Children's Research. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.