Mildred May (Jourdan) Dial passed away peacefully at her home in Odin, IL on November 4, 2021 at the age of 96.

Mildred was born on October 24, 1925, in Iuka, IL to George and Eva (McDonald) Jourdan.  She was the 3rd child and eldest daughter of her 9 siblings.  She married Gale Champion Dial on February 3, 1946, and was married for 41 wonderful years.  They were loving parents to Linda (Awalt) born in 1948, Terry born in 1949, and Thomas born in 1955, and devoted grandparents to Darin, Kevin, Jason, and Eric Awalt, Lynn (Dial) Brecka, Joshua and Edward Dial, and Jennifer (Dial) Backlund.

Mildred was known for her servant's heart, her spirited, no nonsense personality, and her perpetual smile.  For nearly all of her 96 years on this earth, she worked tirelessly for the betterment of others.  She was actively involved in the church, was caregiver to too many to count, and would literally give you the shirt off her back.  Her secret to longevity was to never stop moving!  Into her 90's, she was still driving friends to the doctor and volunteering at church.  She never stopped cooking and was convinced that every person who entered her house needed to be fed.  Mildred was extremely close to her large extended family which, combined with Gale's siblings, included more than 20 brother and sisters-in-law and too many nieces and nephews to count.  In addition to being a skilled homemaker, devoted mother, extensive volunteer, and caregiver, Mildred also worked at the Hollywood Candy Factory for over 20 years. She was an absolutely amazing lady and she will be dearly missed.

Mildred is survived by her son Thomas Dial and Cindy Lively, daughter-in-law Bonnie Dial, 8 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and siblings Viola Dial, Leroy Jourdan, and Freda Goostree.  She is proceeded in death by her loving husband Gale, daughter Linda Awalt and husband Gary Awalt, son Terry Dial, parents, and siblings Charlie Jourdan, Tom Jourdan, Irene Horselt, Marie Mills, George Jourdan, and brother-in-law Gilbert Dial.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin is privileged to be assisting the family of Mildred Dial with arrangements. The visitation will be held on Thursday, November 11th from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Odin, IL.  The funeral will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.  Graveside services and burial will take place immediately after at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin or the Odin Fire Department. Online condolences and memories of Mildred may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.