Mildred "Millie" Droste

Millie Droste, age 94, of Westphalia, MI, was called home to the Lord on Sunday, May 18, 2025. She was born March 17, 1931 in Westphalia, MI, the daughter of Ferdinand and Pauline (Arens) Martin. Millie married John Droste, and together they shared 52 years of marriage before his passing on November 2, 2004. 

Millie became a nurse at the age of 40, worked at the Westphalia Clinic and at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. She was a member of St. Mary’s Christan Mothers Society, the Catholic Order of Foresters (companions of Pauline) and for many years served as a Eucharistic Minister. In 2012, she was chosen for the K of C “Woman of the Year” award. In her free time she enjoyed reading, traveling, and playing cards with her friends. Millie enjoyed winters traveling to warm-weather destinations. Family was by far the most important to her, she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John in 2004; granddaughter, Kari Droste; and siblings, Vernon Martin; Norma (Tony) Simon, Tony (Delores) Martin, Mary Ann (Roman) Koenigsknecht, Dickie Thelen, Fred Martin, and David (Judy) Martin; in-laws, Bernadine (Roy) Alexander, Toots (Louis) Cook, Helen (Paul) Fox, and Jim (Deanna) Droste. 

Surviving are her children, Ron (Linda) Droste, Ken (Lisa) Droste, Al (Donna) Droste, all of Pewamo, and Gerri (Scott) Guild of Grand Ledge; grandchildren, Brock Droste, Grant (Renae) Droste, Holly (Lee) Schrauben, John (Kelsey) Droste, Brad (Jocelyn) Droste, Curt (Autumn) Guild, Tom Guild, Emily Guild, Rachel (Andy) Platte, Mitch (Rachel) Droste, and Kristy (Eric) Hamilton; 21 great-grandchildren; siblings, Phyllis Thelen, Linda (Paul) Armbrustmacher, and Janice (Alvin) Feldpausch; sisters-in-law, Gen Martin and Evonne Droste; and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 3-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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