Mildred L. Pavese, age 97 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2015 at Prairie Lakes Health Campus in Noblesville following the effects of Alzheimer's disease. She was born on April 21, 1918 in Clinton County, the daughter of Everett and Esther (Enright) Straley. She was a 1936 graduate of Windfall High School, and later married the love of her life, Edwin J. Pavese, on June 26, 1937. Mildred retired in 1983 from Delco Remy in Anderson where she worked in production for over 35 years. She was a devoted member and former deaconess of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood, and enjoyed participating in bible study and Sunday school. She was a member of the U.A.W #662 and the 50-Plus Club in Elwood. Mildred enjoyed crocheting and spending time with her family – especially at Tippecanoe Lake. She will remembered for her cooking and baking, and was often asked to make her well-known red devil's food cake. Mildred has a long, well-lived life, and she will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church family.

Mildred's family includes, 2 children, Michael Pavese of Greenwood and David (Jeannie) Pavese of Elwood; 5 grandchildren, Gabrielle Pavese, Joshua Pavese (companion Leah), Alyssa Pavese (companion Chance), Eric (Christine) Champion, and Matthew Champion (companion Krystal); 3 great-grandchildren, Tirzah, Amelia, and Hunter; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Edwin J. Pavese in 2005; 2 brothers, Robert Straley, and Morton "Bud" Straley; and 3 sisters, Pauline Williams, Mary Pearson, and Olivia "Dode" Castle.

Funeral services celebrating Mildred's life will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Rodney Ellis of the First Missionary Baptist Church officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Wednesday prior to the funeral at the funeral home. Entombment will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the Elwood Food Pantry or the Alzheimer's Association through the funeral home. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.