Milree “Millie” Skarda

Millie Skarda, 79, of Afton, died Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Clearview Nursing Home in Mount Ayr. Memorial Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday, April 20, at Afton United Methodist Fellowship Hall. In line with Millie’s love for food and fellowship the family is hoping to have a come-and-go potluck meal as part of the activities. Pastor Sheila Sutton will share a remembrance. A private family burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery in Afton at a later date.

Memorials can be directed to the family of Mille Skarda. Online condolences may be made at www.powersfh.com.

Milree “Millie” Skarda was born Nov. 19, 1944, daughter of Leo Clark Kaster and Gustava Maxine (Tisue) Kaster in Creston. Millie attended East Union schools and graduated with the class of 1962.

On June 10, 1962, Millie was united in marriage to Gary Dean Skarda at the Methodist Church in Afton. She owned and operated Skarda Leather Shop and Custom Screen-Printing for 15 years. Millie and Gary were very active in the American Quarter Horse Association during these years. In 1989, Millie attended realtor school and became a broker in 1991. She traveled to Des Moines and worked in the Hoover Building for the Child and Adult Abuse Hotline. In 2004, she transferred to Creston in the Child Support Office and retired in 2007.

Millie was a member of the Afton Methodist Church, Family Life and the Methodist Guild. She taught Sunday school for 14 years to high school youth, several Christian retreats and took them to the Passion play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. She was also a part of a singing trio for four years, traveling through four states. Millie was also a former member of the Friends Pitch Card Club.

Millie enjoyed spending time with her family and camping at the Iowa State Fair for many years. In her spare time, whether it was while she was camping at the fair or some other time, you could find her crocheting afghans for her family.

Millie is survived by her children, Dawn (Gene) Christensen of Afton and Wes (Marjie) Skarda of Afton; a brother, Dennis (Marsha) Kaster of Bloomington, Illinois; a sister, Donna (Dean) Haight of Afton; a brother-in-law, Duane (Carolyn) Skarda of Afton; three grandchildren: April (Keegan) Van Soelen, Josh (Morgan) Christensen and Garrett (Maddy) Skarda; four great-grandchildren: Grayson Van Soelen, Addison Van Soelen, Theo Christensen and Eleni Christensen; along with numerous family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary Skarda in 2007; a sister, Karen Crawford; mother-in-law, Myrle Skarda and father-in-law Richard Skarda