Mildred "Milly" Gormley

Mildred (Milly) V. Rolph Gormley, 98, of Troy passed away on Monday, June 11 at her residence in the loving care of her sons and family. She was born in West Chester, PA on January 13, 1920 to the late Alda J. and Mary E. (Van Voorhees) Rolph. Her husband, John M. Gormley, Sr., preceded her in death on August 26, 2000, as did two brothers, Alda and William.

Milly is survived by her two sons, John M. Gormley, Jr. (Becky) of Dayton and Stephen C. Gormley (Dawn) of Asheville, NC., four grandchildren, Jesse (Dixie), Soren (Nichole), Shawn (Sharyn Hunter), and Kimberly Gormley (Philip Brown), and three great-grandchildren, Sierra, Samantha, and Logan.

Milly was a member of Alpha Phi Delta sorority and earned a B.A. in English from Valparaiso University. Later, she pursued graduate studies at Wright State University, Miami University, and the University of Dayton.

A lifelong learner and educator, Milly was a beloved schoolteacher in Troy City Schools for over 20 years. She had former students who stayed in touch with her until her passing. After retirement, she volunteered her time with Future Teachers of America.

A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Troy since 1947, Milly became one of the first women elders in the church. She also was a long-time Sunday school teacher and church camp counselor.

In 1990, Milly co-founded Partners In Hope, a coalition of Troy churches which mobilizes volunteers to assist the homeless and other Miami County citizens in need. Since its founding, PIH has grown to over 400 volunteers.

In recognition of her many years of volunteer service to her church and community, in 2010 Milly was recognized by the Area Agency on Aging as Miami County’s Outstanding Senior Citizen. Characteristically modest, she was quoted at the time as saying “If anybody is asked to do a job and they are free and can do it, it truly makes you feel good to know you are helping other people.”

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Troy on Saturday, June 23 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Dr. George McConnel officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 22 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Baird Funeral Home in Troy.

Milly’s famous smile and sense of humor, her kindness and compassion, and most of all her generous spirit touched many people during her lifetime. Her passing will leave a void.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in her honor you please consider making a donation or volunteering your time with Partners In Hope or First Presbyterian Church of Troy.  Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.