'˜Classy' former Whittlesey school teacher and Crufts judge passes away

Betty Mildenhall was surrounded by her relatives at Worthing Hospital in West Sussex as she passed away on June 4.

She had moved down south to live with her only child, daughter Louise Chase (68), having lived in a house on the corner of Gracious Street and Orchard Street, and later in Tudor Close, both in Whittlesey.

Mrs Mildenhall had been a teacher at the former Broad Street Infants School for more than two decades and was a well-known figure in the town.

She passed away from pneumonia following complications with an operation to have her hip mended.

Louise said: “She was very private but she could be fun. She told the truth but she could always keep secrets. She was a classy lady.

“She always dressed beautifully. She was a tiny person in size, but in terms of character she was the lioness of the pride.

“She was the lynchpin of the family and is deeply missed.”

Mrs Mildenhall and husband Jack, who passed away in 2005, had bred English Bull Terriers, and were known to have had up to around 20 at one time.

Her funeral is on Tuesday, June 21, at the Worthing Crematorium which people can attend.

Donations to her favourite charity, the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals, can be sent to: The Co-operative Funeralcare, 22 Goring Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN12 4AJ.

Mrs Mildenhall leaves behind daughter Louise, granddaughters Clara (41) and Jessica (37) and great-granddaughter Eden (6).