Mildred Alberta Heins, 98, a former Bainbridge Island resident, passed away Wednes-day, July 1, 2015.

Mildred was born March 22, 1917, at her farm home in Elmore, Ohio.

After completing eighth grade she was forced to leave school to care for her father and three younger sisters.

Baptized, confirmed and married at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Hessville, Ohio, she enjoyed a full life traveling and working with Lester F. Heins, her husband of 62 years.

A three-time cancer survivor, Mildred lived through the Great Depression, cared for a husband suffering from tuberculosis, endured the pain of a son’s early death and traveled the world.

Immersed in church work for much of her life, she entertained dignitaries and formed worldwide friendships. Moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1962, she was an active member of a large, Lutheran congregation. For several years she sang in the adult choir and served two terms as president of the Central Lutheran Church Women.

Through her long life and many hardships, Mildred exhibited a cheerful and engaging disposition.

She is survived by her son, Timothy Heins of Poulsbo; two grandchildren, Dustin and Brenton of Bellingham; a sister, Madelyn Hetrick of Oak Harbor, Ohio; and a brother, Jon Haar of Elmore, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 25 at Bethany Lutheran Church.