Mildred Irene Eylander, 90, of Valrico, FL, passed away on October 27, 2025, in Valrico, FL.

Born on November 21, 1934, in Chicago Heights, IL, to Harry L. and Helen M. Ewers, Mildred—known to all as Millie—graduated from Bloom High School, Class of 1953. She married Richard Eylander on May 16, 1959, in Chicago Heights, IL, and together they celebrated 66 years of love and marriage.

Millie and Rich raised three beautiful daughters: Gayle, Linda Sheffer (Jeff), and Brenda Crow (Chuck). Millie was also a devoted grandmother to four grandchildren—Amy Fabian (Tristan), Matthew Crow, Melinda Hadley (Seth), and Michael Crow (Amber)—and a proud great-grandmother to Maylee, Rylee, Jackson, and Camden. She was a loving sister to her older brother, Jim Ewers (Jean).

Millie was often described by those who knew her as a woman whose smile could light up any room. With her bright blue eyes, sweet spirit, and infectious warmth, she was a source of joy and inspiration to all who crossed her path. A talented seamstress, quilter, scrapbooker, and card-maker, Millie was also deeply dedicated to her church and community, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, and Caravan Scouts leader. Above all, she was a faithful follower of Jesus and a loving role model to her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gayle, and her parents, Harry and Helen Ewers and nephew, Byron Ewers.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Church, 213 N. Knights Ave, Brandon, FL, with Rev. Dr. Victoria Harrison officiating. A reception will be held following the service for all.

Burial will take place at a later date at Beverly Cemetery, Blue Island, IL. In-state arrangements are entrusted to Serenity Meadows, Riverview, FL. Illinois arrangements are pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family Promise of Hillsborough County, FL, at https://familypromisefl.org/donate