01/19/2026
Mildred “Mickey” M. Harms, 100, of Pontiac, Illinois, passed away at 4:15 pm, on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Tjardes Healthcare Center at Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, Il.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church, 311 W. Grove St., Pontiac, Il. 61764. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. also at the church. Interment will be at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac, Il.
Calvert & Martin Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mildred was born on January 16, 1926, in McDowell, Illinois, the daughter of Roy E. and Mabel M (Morrison) Black. She was united in marriage to Willis R. Harms on July 20, 1947, in McDowell, Il.
Mildred is survived by her three daughters, Susan Cashmer, Kathy (William) Ellis, and Ann (Kevin) Keller; daughter-in-law, Roberta Harms; her ten grandchildren, Sara Harms, Christopher Harms, Aaron Cashmer, Kyle Cashmer, Jessica Farris, Katie Borders, Cassie Ferrara, Nina Meconis, Amanda Hickman and Amy Ward; her twenty-five great grandchildren; and nine great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Beverly Harms; two brothers-in-law, Edward (Thelma) Harms and Donald Harms; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Willis R. Harms; her son, Gregory A. Harms; her brother, Robert Black; and infant brother, Richard Black.
Mickey was gracious, joyful, and full of unconditional love. She lived her life rooted in God and family, leading with quiet strength and kindness. She had a rare gift for seeing the good in everyone she met and an even rarer ability to make each person feel like her favorite. For many years, we joked that we needed to channel our “inner Mickey”—a gentle reminder to live with more grace, laughter, generosity, and love. Her life was a blessing, and her love will remain with us for generations to come.
Memorial donations in Mildred’s name may be made to the First Lutheran Church of Pontiac or Tjardes Healthcare Center at Everglow Lodge.
Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.