Mildred Steingard Hantla passed away April 10, 2008, at a nursing home in Independence, Mo. Mrs. Hantla was born November 10, l915, in Newton, Kansas and grew up in Meade, Kansas. During high school, Mildred lettered in basketball, sang in the choir, and played the violin. She was the daughter of Henry and Lizzie Steingard who preceded her in death, along with a brother, Bud, and her husband Orrin Hantla.

In l939 Mildred and Orrin moved to Wichita, Kansas where Orrin began his career at Kansas Gas and Electric Company. Mildred worked at Boeing briefly during World War II. They were lifelong members of the First United Methodist Church and charter members of the Triad Sunday School Class. Mildred was also a charter member of the Book Marts Club, established in l956 and regularly attended their meetings until recently.

Upon Orrin's passing from Alzheimer's in l974, Mildred became a world traveler, visiting six different continents, and keeping her friends and family entertained by her numerous adventures. She had a remarkable memory and great sense of style, and was happy to live independently in her own home until a month before her passing. She had many wonderful friends who enjoyed her quick wit and sense of humor. She was an accomplished bridge player and loved rooting for Tiger Woods during his golf tournaments.

She is survived by her daughter, Chrystal Dlabal, her son-in-law Luke J. Dlabal Jr, MD, and her grandson, Luke J. Dlabal III of Lee's Summit, Mo. She was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandma who will be greatly missed.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at the Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary in Meade, Kansas, with burial to follow at the Graceland Cemetery in Meade. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until service time at the mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First United Methodist Church, 330 North Broadway, Wichita, Kansas, 67202, or Odyssey Hospice Care, 800 E. 101st Terrace, Kansas City, Mo 64131.