Mildred Eileen "Millie" Erdel, 77, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, November 10, 2025, at her home.

Visitation is from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, at Arnold Funeral Home in Mexico. A Private Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. Brendan Catholic Church. Burial will be in St. Brendan Cemetery.

Millie was born on February 24, 1948 in Hannibal, Missouri, the daughter of Roy Stephen and Mildred Eileen (Tuley) Elliott. On February 3, 1973 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Monroe City, she married Stanley F. Erdel. He passed away on August 2, 2018.

Millie was a 1966 graduate of Holy Rosary High School in Monroe City. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Music from the University of Missouri–Columbia, where she was a proud member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. The bond she formed with her Zeta sisters during those years grew into a lifetime of love and friendship that she cherished deeply.

She dedicated much of her career to serving others as a Social Work Supervisor for the Division of Family Services.

A devoted member of St. Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico, Millie shared her musical talents as the church pianist for many years. After she and Stan moved to Columbia, she became a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she joyfully sang with the choir.

Millie was deeply committed to her community, volunteering countless hours at the Food Bank in Columbia. She loved the outdoors and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially the many strays she cared for over the years.

An avid gardener with a true green thumb, Millie tended her houseplants and vegetable gardens with great pride. She was also known for her thoughtful nature and love of philosophy, often sharing favorite quotes or funny memes with family and friends. Millie brought warmth and joy to every gathering, never missing the chance to raise a glass and offer a heartfelt toast.

Out of all of her many talents and accomplishments, her most prized and cherished one was her beautiful role as a mother and grandmother. She was a constant and loving presence in her children and grandchildren's lives through her selfless devotion.

Survivors include her daughter, Portia (Jason) Leverett of Mexico; one son, Elliott Floyd Erdel of Columbia; six grandchildren, Quinn Stanley Leverett, Kale Charles Leverett, Prim Ann Leverett, Carter Harvey Erdel, Harley Quinn Erdel, and Dalton Floyd Erdel; one brother, Tuley (Tara) Elliott of Monroe City; three brothers-in-law, Towney Quinn of Ohio, Jerry Burditt of Monroe City, and Tom Wujek of Joliet, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Janice Wood of Lake Ozark; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Stan, Millie was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, Jane Quinn, Mary Lewis Curran, Totty Burditt, and Martha Wujek; and two brothers-in-law, Noel Wood and Kevin Curran.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Brendan Catholic Church. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson Street, Mexico, MO 65265.