Tuesday, February 9th, 2021
Mildred VanderHorst
Mildred "Midge" VanderHorst, 93, of St. Marys, OH died 11:47 a.m. Saturday January 30, 2021 at Otterbein-St. Marys.
She was born and raised in St. Henry, Ohio with her three sisters and five brothers. Upon graduation from St. Henry High School, Midge (as known by her friends) set out for Dayton, Ohio with the promise of employment at WING radio. While waiting for her sailor in the midst of WWII, Midge found a second home at the Loretto boarding facility for women who participated in the war effort.
When her fiancé Jerry returned from the Pacific, they were married and resided in St. Marys, Ohio.
Midge and Jerry raised four children: Christine (Patrick) McGuire of Philadelphia, PA; Michael VanderHorst of St. Marys, OH; Nicholas (Shelley) VanderHorst of St. Petersburg, FL and Lisa (Derrick) Smith of Vandalia, OH
Together, they created a business known as VanderHorst Builders. As Jerry directed the work at the construction site, Midge contributed her skills to interior design. Once their business was established, Midge joined the Delta Sigma Phi Sorority that was known for its charity works within the St. Marys community. Midge also was a member of Holy Rosary parish where she served on the PTA board in addition to being an elementary catechism teacher.
Her children grew at this parish and Midge found the time to attend the "Town Hall" lecture series as well as The Kenley Players theatre productions at Memorial Hall in Dayton. An avid reader, she particularly enjoyed historical novels. Other passions included sewing and perfecting her gourmet cooking.
Midge attended frequent retreats in Maria Stein, Ohio and treasured her pilgrimages to Rome and Medjugorje. She and Jerry enjoyed travels throughout Europe and the Caribbean, yet they decided to spend winters in Fort Myers, Florida and summers at Grand Lake St. Marys. Her grandsons Michael and John McGuire as well as her granddaughters Sara and Stacy VanderHorst were a large part of her memories in her golden years. The last years of her life brought cherished moments with her beloved great-grandchildren Betty and Lucy McGuire, Michaela and Paisley Osterholt, and Kai and Sage McGuire.
Our mom, Midge, also known as "Grandma Bird" will long be remembered as the Matriarch of the VanderHorst family and as a dedicated follower of the Christian faith.
Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. Friday February 12, 2021 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Glynwood, OH. The Rev. Alexander Witt will celebrate this Mass.
In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Midge's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.
