Mary Frances Millman Argo, dedicated life to children
Mary Frances (Millman) Argo, 68, of Milford, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, at Bayhealth/Milford Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born Dec. 17, 1945, to her parents, the late Roland Paynter Millman and Mary Frances Millman, she was raised in Milton with her three sisters and one brother. She graduated from Milton High School in 1963 and from the University of Delaware in 1967.
Mary dedicated her life to children. After graduating from the University of Delaware, she taught home economics for the Woodbridge School District. She then dedicated many years raising her children while substituting for the Cape Henlopen School District. Mary then met the University of Delaware Cooperative Extension. She worked there for 23 years, first as the Teens Reaching Youth program coordinator and then as the Home Economics Program Coordinator. Her most rewarding years serving the University were spent as the Sussex County 4-H Youth Educator. She spent 18 years and countless hours developing programs, camps, farm tours and contests. She touched thousands of youth, ranging from ages 5-20. Her enthusiastic dedication and positive attitude will forever be remembered.
Mary was also a member of the Broadkill 4-H Kool Kats in Milton. She was an organizational leader for more than 12 years for this club. In addition, Mary visited the La Casita Afterschool Program for Hispanic youth in hopes of promoting 4-H. She was a lady who put others needs and wishes above her own. She led the youth of Sussex County and dedicated her life to educating children. She enjoyed spending time with family, traveling, reading, family vacations and children. Mary was a patient and kind individual.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Howard Everett Argo Jr.; a brother, Roland “Sonny” Millman; grandparents, Oscar and Clara Fleetwood and Edward and Bessie Mae Millman.
She is survived by three sisters, Nancy Harris of Vineland, N.J., Barbara Wilson and husband Bob of Georgetown, and Brenda Argo and husband Paul of Milford; five children and 11 grandchildren, Yvette Morris and husband Steve, and Kyle, of Long Neck, Donya Kucharzyk and husband Jim, and Amanda and Jimmy, of Lincoln, Howard Argo and wife Julie and Jocelyn and Little Howard, of Greenwood, Carrie Stewart and husband Steven and Addyson, Margo and Harleigh, of Felton. and Heather Smith and husband Tony and Garrett, Layne and Tori of Ellendale. She is also survived by many 4-H friends, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St., Milford, with visitation Saturday from noon to 1 p.m., and Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Slaughter Neck Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sussex County 4-H Programs, Carvel Research and Education Center, 16483 County Seat Highway, Georgetown, DE 19947, or Slaughter Neck U.M. Church, c/o Mrs. Ethel Graham, 10266 Coastal Highway, Milford, DE 19963.
