Mildred Voran

Mildred Marie Voran, 98, passed away July 14, 2026, at Newton Presbyterian Manor. She was born February 2, 1928, in Whitewater, KS, to Albert Claassen and Florence (Shumi) Claassen and grew up in rural Whitewater. Mildred attended high school at Whitewater and Bethel Academy. She continued her studies at Bethel College where she majored in English Education. She taught junior high language arts in Haven before meeting back up with Myron Voran, a friend from Bethel. They married and moved to Topeka for one year where Mildred was principal, teacher and coach at Indian Hills Middle School. Their daughter, Kathy, was born the next year in Freeman, South Dakota where Myron had a teaching position. They moved to Myron’s hometown of Pretty Prairie and over the years three more children, Barb, Brent and Jeanette were born.

During her years at Pretty Prairie, Mildred was a homemaker while also farming and working alongside Myron at the family business, Voran Cabinet Shop. She served the community on the school board and returned to teaching junior high English for two years. Participating in a church community was an important component in each place she resided. She enjoyed an active retirement in North Newton within the proximity of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mildred is survived by three children, Barb Voran, Brent (Cora) Voran of Newton KS and Jeanette (George) Leary of North Newton KS; four grandchildren, Rachel (Graham) Unruh, Kevin (Naomi) Leary, Paul (Sarah) Voran, and Megan Leary; and four great grandchildren (Owen and Ivy Unruh, Maggie and Silas Leary). She is also survived by her sister Dora Golden and brothers John Claassen and Virgil Claassen.

Preceding her in death were her husband of 71 years, Myron Voran; daughter, Kathleen Voran; brother, Louis Claassen; sisters, Elizabeth Goering, Elva Unruh and Ruth Janzen.

Memorial service pending.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel College or MCC.