Mildred Jeanette (Atenhan) Beckler was born in Deshler, Nebraska, on Oct. 14, 1934, to John and Emma (Maschmann) Atenhan. She was the youngest of four children.

Millie attended Kiowa Country School through the 4th grade, attended St. Peters Lutheran parochial school through the 8th grade and graduated from Deshler High School in May 1952. In high school, she was a cheerleader and was in the senior class play "The Websters." along with her future husband, Thomas Beckler. After graduation, Millie attended Wichita Business College and completed their secretarial program.

On Feb. 4, 1955, Millie m...