EMERY, Mildred J. (Millie), age 86, passed away on March 18, 2016, peacefully at her home in Spokane, WA. She was born May 5, 1929, to Harold and Marie Deister, near Osage, WY. Millie met Robert L. Emery while attending Eugene Bible College in Eugene, OR, and they were later married on July 20, 1951. They raised their family in Buffalo Gap and New Underwood, SD. They shared 52 years together, now re-joined in heaven as she has so anticipated being with her Lord as well as her dear spouse.

In the words of so many to us at her passing: She was a sweet and precious lady who blessed so many. As a stay-at-home mom, raising three headstrong boys and two lovely girls, was no easy task. She taught Sunday school for many years in the Rapid City Open Bible Church. She loved studying and sharing God's Word, enjoyed singing in the choir and playing the piano. She read aloud stories that were recorded onto tape for the blind for several years. Foreign students were welcomed into our home and became like family; even to this day. Mom will be remembered in many capacities. Her sugar cookies were highly anticipated every Christmas by us, and both grand and great grandchildren alike. Mom, Grandma, Friend; you truly will be missed. We love you!

Millie is survived by her children, Stephen and Jean Ann Emery, Spokane, WA, Gerald (Gerry) Emery, Hayden, ID, Kathryn (Kathy) (Emery) and Matthew Jackson, Rapid City, SD, Randall (Randy) and JoAnne Emery, Spokane, WA, Joy (Emery) and Chris Capps of Hendersonville, NC; sister Joyce (Deister) & Bob Culbertson; brothers Frank & Betty Deister, David & Debbie Deister; also, Vern & Lola Emery, Gloria Emery, Gary & Jean Emery, Lydia Emery, and Dolly Emery; grandchildren: Tonja Macomber, Josh & Erin Emery, Sarah & Jim Hufford, Jessica & Joshua Frey, Richard & Laura Emery, Rita & Shane Kirstine, Alisha & Zachary Schweitzer, Katie Emery, Zoe Capps and Aubrey Capps; 16 great grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Emery; parents Harold & Marie Deister; sisters Linda (Deister) Guilliot, JoAnne (Deister) Anderson, Shirley Ann Deister; and grandson Ryan Emery.

There will be a memorial service at Lilac Plaza, 7007 N. Wiscomb, Spokane, WA on Thursday, March 24, 2016, at 1 pm. Additionally, a funeral will be held in Custer, SD, Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at 2 pm, Living Outreach Church 48 North 8th St, Pastor Joel Ziolkowski officiating.