Millie Jean Stockdale

Millie J. Stockdale, a devoted daughter, loving mother, proud grandmother, and steadfast supporter of veterans, passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Mary Rutan Hospital, Bellefontaine.

She was born on July 16, 1944, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, the daughter of the late Donald Edward and Emma Lorena (Jackson) Cloninger.

She was an active member of several organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Moose Lodge, Eagles, and AmVets, reflecting her lifelong dedication to honoring and supporting those who served our country. She was especially proud to be the daughter of a veteran, the mother of two veterans, and a sibling to several veterans, a role she cherished and celebrated throughout her life.

Her passions extended beyond her commitments to veteran organizations. Millie had a love for music, especially live performances, which she enjoyed concerts alongside her family and friends. Her joyful spirit was evident in her hobbies; she took great pleasure in crocheting and playing darts, activities that brought her both relaxation and delight. Known for her warm presence, she enjoyed cold Bud Light.

She is survived by her daughter, Christina Franck (Josh Lantz), her son, Scott Stockdale (Sandy). She found joy in her grandchildren—Brianna, Kelson, Riley, Zachary, Melody, Emma, and Kassidy—and was a treasured great-grandmother to 15 great grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in her heart. Millie is also survived by her siblings, Nancy Wolford (Pete), Kathryn Sanford, Julie Kellam (Tom), and George “Corky” Cloninger (Yoshiko).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Juanita A. Dunlavy, Ruth E. Fickey, Thelma Marie Cloninger, Raymond L. “Ray” Cloninger, Gregory Jackson Cloninger, and Michael Donald Cloninger.

A graveside service to honor Millie’s memory will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, beginning at 3:00 p.m., at Greenwood-Union Cemetery, De Graff. Family, friends, and all who knew her are invited to pay their respects and celebrate a life so richly lived. A celebration of life is being planned for July 11, 2026 held at the Bellefontaine Moose Lodge with details to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation @ https://dogood.t2t.org/give/320847  or to Discovery Riders, P.O. Box 217, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311.

EICHHOLTZ & DARING FUNERAL HOME, & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the ­­­Stockdale family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.eichholtzdaring.com