Mildred E. "Millie" Rafert, 91, of Plainfield, formerly of Fortville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011. Born Jan. 26, 1919, at home near New Palestine, she was the daughter of James and Flora (Ashcraft) Hawk.
A 1937 graduate of New Palestine High School, she attended DePauw University, and in 1939 married Stewart G. Rafert and moved to Fortville. In the 1950's she studied painting at Herron School of Art and Design under Harry Davis. In 1961 she began work as a graphic artist at Fort Benjamin Harrison, continuing there for 13 years. She continued painting and was exhibited at the Hoosier Salon and in the fine arts show at the Indiana State Fair. She enjoyed writing for the contests that were popular in the 1950's winning many prizes. She wrote articles about family travels for Trailer Travel magazine. She had a lifelong interest in economics and the business cycle. She, and husband Stew, enjoyed travel to many parts of the world, making 19 trips to Europe and visiting 36 countries worldwide.
She is survived by her son, Stewart J. (Nancy) Rafert of Newark, Del.; and her daughter Leslie A. (Floyd) Kirby of Plainfield; and five grandchildren, Scott (Benita) Story and Missy Story and Samara (Dan), Kyla, and Jesse Rafert; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart G. Rafert.
Burial will be private in New Palestine Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, Plainfield.
Online condolences may be sent to the Rafert family at www.hamptongentry.com.
