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Raymond Alfred Millett, 94, Springdale
Obituaries · October 31, 2014
Raymond Alfred Millett, 94, died on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014, at his home in Springdale, Iowa, with his wife, Clara, at his side.
He was born on Dec. 12, 1919, to Lee and Ada (Branson) Millett on the family farm near Springdale. He attended the Springdale School through the eighth grade and proudly earned his GED later in life. As a birthright Quaker, his church was always central in his life. He served there in many different capacities throughout his life, including Sunday School superintendent, on committees of Ministry and Counsel as well as Peace and Social Concerns. Ray also served on the Peace and Social Concerns Board for Iowa Yearly Meeting. The Quaker Men’s organization was important to him on the local, state and international levels. Through his broader church family, Ray was introduced to Clara Weaver. They married Aug. 23, 1986, and enjoyed a life together on the Millett farm. They took pleasure in the wildlife and beauty of God’s creation around them and welcomed many to the Young Friends Cabin in the Millett woods.
A kind and gentle soul, Ray lived a life of simplicity that exemplified the Quaker testimonies. His devotion to stewardship was evidenced in the conservation of land and natural resources that he cared for on the Millett Century Farm where he and brother Roscoe specialized in raising Angus cattle. Ray was a lifelong Farm Bureau member. He was actively involved with the farm until the age of 91 when he and Clara moved to their retirement home in the community of Springdale that he loved so well.
Ray lived out the testimony of peace. He was a dedicated supporter of the United Nations, enjoyed visiting its headquarters in New York City and encouraged high school students in attending the UN Seminar. As a young man, Ray was a conscientious objector. During the Vietnam era and years following, he met with young men who were examining their conscience in regard to serving in the military. A faithful servant to those in need, he volunteered for Cedar County hospice and participated in CROP walks and UNICEF events. He represented Iowa Yearly Meeting on the Scattergood School Committee. Over the years, Scattergood students have camped in the Millett woods and used the Young Friends Cabin.
Family was always very important to Ray and he was lovingly known simply as “Uncle” to many nieces and nephews. He was a quiet man whose gentle ways drew children to him. He loved reminiscing and talking about the history of the Springdale and West Branch communities. One way that he cared for himself was his daily routine of doing 20 pull-ups which he continued well into his 80’s.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; brother Russell Millett; sisters Genevieve Millett, Elizabeth Smith and Golda Gatch; nephews George Millett and David Smith.
He is survived by his loving wife, Clara; brother Roscoe (Helen) Millett of West Branch; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and great-great nieces and nephews in addition to his church family and friends.
A quiet and humble man who leaves behind a legacy of kindness and love, Ray will be deeply missed.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014, at Henderson-Barker Funeral Home, 201 Pedersen, West Branch. A memorial service will be at 10:30 am, Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, at West Branch Friends Church, 116 N. Downey St., West Branch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the West Branch Friends Church or the Friends Committee on National Legislation.
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