Obituary: Mildred Adelaide Cox Bernard

Mildred Adelaide Cox Bernard 1920 ~ 2005 Milly Bernard, of Kearns, Utah, passed away peacefully November 7, 2005 at home surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born May 28, 1920 in Brewster, Nebraska, daughter of Robert E. And Eleanor Jarvis Cox. She graduated with honors from Broken Bow High School, NE and then went to Denver with a Business College scholarship. Married Robert E. Workman; divorced. Married Rex E. Oberhansley; divorced. Married Lynn (Bud) Bernard February 5, 1972; he preceded her in death March 28, 1987. Moving into Kearns, as the 28th family, it became a challenge to make the community what it has become today. She helped organize the Kearns Town Council, which has been a model for Town Councils in the Salt Lake County area. She loved Kearns and was a member of the Kearns Town Council for many years, a charter member of the Kearns Water and Sewer District Board and the first woman member of the Salt Lake Planning and Zoning commission for 13 years. She was nominated Mrs. Kearns by the Kearns Town Council and "Woman of the Year 1982" by the Green Sheet and was thrilled when a street was named after her. In 1967 she was elected to the Utah State Legislature. During her subsequent five terms she was the Majority Whip, Minority and Majority Leader. As a legislator, she was involved in many Boards and Committees such as the Juvenile Court Governing Board, the Judicial Council, the Granite Mental Health Board, Community Action Board, the Social Services Committee, etc. From the Legislature she was appointed by Governor Rampton and reappointed by Governor Matheson to the Public Service Commission and served six years as Chairman until her retirement in 1982. She was always outspoken and having the strength of her conviction, she was involved in many controversial issues and faced them squarely, using her best judgement. Firmly believing in Women's Rights, she felt that action spoke louder than words and led by example with numerous firsts in many fields. While serving as a Legislator, she worked for THE EIMCO CORPORATION for 15 years and thoroughly enjoyed her positions there. Milly's whole life was spent fostering her family. Her mother, Eleanor, always lived close by until her death in 1985. Her children and grandchildren all live in the Salt Lake area. The love and devotion is being carried on by the second, third, fourth and fifth generations. Her marriage to Lynn (Bud) Bernard gave her 15 of the happiest years of her life. Since his death she has been living in Kearns in the summer and for many years lived in St. George in the winter and leaves many friends in both areas. She is survived by daughters: Judy Johnson and Carole E. (Walter) Jakeman; grandchildren: Mark R. (Teresa) Bliss, Matt Bliss, Kellie (Richard) Yeates; Daren (Alex) Jakeman, Shane (Andria) Jakeman, Nicole (Eric) Sorensen and Brian Jakeman; great-grandchildren: Stephanie (Justin) LeCheminant, Mark (Summer) Bliss, Matt Bliss, Dustin Bliss, Sarah (Jason) Pilch, Lindsay Yeates, Katelynn Yeates, Hannah Yeates, Sydney Jakeman, Dylan Jakeman, Nickolas Sorensen; great-great grandchild: Gatlin Bliss; step-daughter, Betty (Earl) Kenworthy; half-brother: Robert E. Cox, Scottsbluff, NE; numerous cousins and an aunt, Gladys Hyde, Almeria, NE. The family would like to thank Dale Mertlich for his years of loving help and friendship, Jill Murdock for her care during Milly's last days along with The Odyssey Hospice Group. Their compassion and care is appreciated by all. Funeral services will be held Friday, 1:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road where a viewing will be held Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday one hour prior to service. Interment, Valley View Memorial Park, 4400 West 4100 South. Friends may visit the online guest book at Legacy.com