Mildred Shondel

Mildred I. Shondel, 103, died at 12:18 a.m. November 23, 2008, at Lima Memorial Heath System. She was born August 8, 1905, in Ottawa, Ohio to George E. and Barbara Otto Shondel. Ms. Shondel retired from H u n t i n g t o n National Bank in 1973 as secretary of the Board of Directors. She said the position was the greatest honor of her working career. She previously worked at the Bank of Ottawa and First National Bank of Lima. She also served as a teacher for Junior Achievement Bank, teaching young entrepreneurs about stocks and finances. She graduated from Ottawa High School and attended Lima Business College. During World War II, she volunteered with the Red Cross. She volunteered at both hospitals in Lima. She also volunteered at the Christmas Tree Festival, the YWCA and the March of Dimes. She was a member of Lima Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She was a charter member of Altrusa International of Lima. She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday school, and was a member of its Gradatin Class and Rebecca Circle. She was a member of Senior Citizens Services Inc., National Travel Club and AARP. She had traveled the world, crossing the Atlantic Ocean seven times. She had visited Czechoslovakia, Germany, Austria, Spain, Egypt, the Virgin Islands, Greece, Switzerland, England, Mexico, Canada and the Holy Land. Among her traveling companions was Easter Straker, who preceded her in death. She continued loving sports, cheering on the Cincinnati Reds and the Lima Senior High School Spartans. She enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. Around the Lochhaven residence, she was well-known for singing to her fellow residents. She attributed her longevity to laughter. Survivors include eight nephews, Tom Sparks, Ed Sparks, Ron Sparks, Jim Fischer, Bill Fischer, Dick Fischer, Tom Michel and Dave Michel; two nieces, Barb Smith and Judy Baird; a cousin, Charles (Pauline) Kissel; and a dear friend, Marty Cunningham. She was preceded in death by three sisters, Lena Fischer, Mary Sparks and June Michel; a brother, Frederick Shondel; three half brothers, Charles Shondel, John Shondel and Harry Shondel; and a half sister, Mable Mastepohl. Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mark United Methodist Church. Howard M. Allison will officiate. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Harmon Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. today at the Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor?s choice. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlain huckeriede.com.