Obit Kitzmiller

Mildred Kitzmiller

July 16, 1953 July 7, 2012

Mildred Millie Cook Kitzmiller, an award-winning real estate agent of Portland and a former resident of Joseph, died in Portland July 7, 2012, of cancer at the age of 58.

She was born in Heppner to Miles Puddy Cook and Hazel Lambert.

A dedicated professional who loved her work, Millie found her calling as a real estate agent 11 years ago. Despite the recent economic downturn, she closed enough business to win the Presidents Elite Award in 2009, 2010 and 2011 from John L. Scott Realty.

She was an avid gardener and a lover of animals. She served on the board of directors of the Family Dogs New Life Shelter, a no-kill shelter dedicated to rescuing and finding homes for needy dogs. She provided the encouragement and support her daughter, Tasha, needed to found this organization.

Above all else, Millie cherished her roles as mother and grandmother. She was also a Christian and an excellent friend.

Millie lived in Joseph during the 1990s.

She is survived by husband John Kitzmiller of Oregon City, son Thomas Hilts of Portland, daughter Tasha Giacomazzi of Portland, her granddaughter Thomasina Hilts of Portland, mother, Hazel Lux of Salem, and sisters Patty Kempke of Portland, Margie Agee of Drummond, Mont., Mary Cook of Portland, Carolyn ONeill of Happy Valley, Darlene Waldo of Salem, Jackie Herman of Salem, and her dogs, Buffy and Sophie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Family Dogs New Life Shelter, 9101 S.E. Stanley Avenue, Portland, OR 97206,www.familydogsnewlife.org.