Mildred "Millie" Rose Eiler

Mildred “Millie” Rose Eiler, 90, of Tipton, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cedar Manor Nursing Home in Tipton, surrounded by love from both family and the compassionate staff at Cedar Manor. Millie had recently celebrated her 90th birthday with her family, friends, and care staff.

Born July 12, 1935, in Jones County, Iowa, to John J. and Rachel H. (Gaddie) Wenger, Millie was the youngest of nine children. She was raised to appreciate hard work, animals, and nature—values she passed on to her four children.

In 1983, she married Willard Eiler, and together they farmed near Rochester. Millie owned and operated MillRidge Farm, where she raised Angus cattle and Suffolk sheep. She also loved working the land, raising horses, cattle, sheep, and chickens, and tending to the colorful flowers she grew on her Snaggy Ridge Road farm. She took special joy in sharing those home‑raised blooms at local farmers’ markets, where her gardens became a gift to the wider community. Millie delighted in watching the variety of birds that visited her feeders and found joy in the simple beauty of nature around her.

Millie had a strong faith and loved sharing joy with her family, friends, and anyone who shared her love of farming. She also enjoyed cooking and baking, trying new recipes, and always keeping her cookie jar full for her grandchildren and visitors.

She was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Tipton and a former member of the Cedar County Saddle Club, Cedar County Cattlemen’s Association, and Cedar County Farm Bureau.

Millie is survived by her four children from a previous marriage: Sherry Schmidt of Clarence, Ed (Schelly) Odeen of Mesa, AZ, Linda (Steve) Haywood of Ames, and Jeff (Helen) Odeen of Wilmington, IL; nine grandchildren; several great‑grandchildren and great‑great‑grandchildren; three step‑children, James Eiler, Donn Eiler, and MaryJune Dies, and their families; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings and their spouses; her husband, Willard; and a son‑in‑law, Ken Schmidt.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Church of Christ in Tipton. Visitation will be held from 10:00–11:00 a.m., prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Rochester Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First UCC Tipton and the Cedar County Fair Association.