Mildred Carlene King

Our loving angel Mildred “Millie” Carlene King left this earthly world to join her Savior in heaven March 17, 2021. Waiting for her on the other side was her life-long best friend and sister Wanda Nelson, daughter Karla Garland, son Jerry Russell, and grandson Bill Garland.

Millie was born April 17, 1928, in Castle Rock, Wash., to Charley Luke and Myrtle Mae Stephenson (Gore). She was the third of four children. The family lived on Old Pacific Highway in a home her father built.

Millie had a colorful life and loved adventure. She traveled all over the states throughout her life, and enjoyed nature more than anything. She traveled most often with her granddaughters Marcia and Missy. They called themselves the M and M, and M’s. She was an avid artist and enjoyed painting, making driftwood art, and wood-working. She was an exceptionally talented cook and was famous for her desserts and Christmas candy. Her pickle recipes are legendary and are safely recorded with her youngest granddaughter, Missy.

She was the cook at the Cowlitz County Jail for several years, but her main vocation was as a grandmother, and foster-mother. She loved making a home for children and raised quite a few of her grandchildren, and dozens of foster-children, from 1992 until 2000.

Millie’s life revolved around her family. Millie lived next door to, or with her sister Wanda for the last 29 years of her life. There was never a sweeter harmony than that between Millie and her sister Wanda. You could often find the two of them singing songs from their youth, and gospel hymns to anyone who needed a dose of serotonin and a dash of love.

Preceding Millie in death were her father and mother, sister Dora Russell, brother Lyle Stephenson, sister Wanda Nelson, infant daughter Juanita, son Jerry Russell, daughter Karla Garland, granddaughter Rochelle, and grandson Bill Garland.

Millie is survived by her three children, Ralph (Sue) Fultz of Kelso, WA, Rick Fultz of Longview, WA, Carol Haling of Longview, WA, 19 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

She was vibrant, loving, kind, funny, and tender-hearted.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Information about future services will be announced once arrangements have been made.