Mildred “Mitzi” Joan Claflin passed away to be with her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2023, at the age of 88. Mitzi was born in Woodland, Washington, to Yukon and Herta Louise Driver on June 29, 1934.
Mitzi grew up in Woodland with her three siblings. She graduated from Woodland High School. She went to one year of college at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. In 1952, she met her husband, Berton Claflin, at a barn dance in Dollars Corner. He was home on leave from the Navy. They were married May 22, 1953. They shared 55 years of marriage until Berton’s passing in 2008.
Together they raised their son, Jerry; daughter, Shelley; and nephew John. They enjoyed gardening and growing their outstanding roses. Mitzi was a talented artist making beautiful porcelain dolls and glassware. She enjoyed fashion and having her hair done by Cheryl and Pat. Mitzi was a great cook and loved entertaining. Her Christmas Eve dinners were a beautiful production of food and a gorgeous table.
Mitzi worked for the Battle Ground School District where she taught and worked in many libraries. She loved working with kids and had many lasting friendships with coworkers. She was known as “Mom” and later “Grandma” to many of her students.
She was a great listener and had many friends. She had several “adopted” daughters she added to her family. She enjoyed watching sports, especially if her grandkids and great-grandkids were playing.
Later in life, Mitzi’s greatest joy was her family. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She always had a special smile for them and, of course, a big hug. She will be missed very much. Her many nieces and nephews also held a special place in her heart.
Mitzi is survived by her children, Jerry Claflin and Shelley Massie (Ken); nephew, John Claflin (Tammy); and brother, Robert Driver. She had seven grandkids, Julie Linster (Tim), Curt Claflin, (deceased), Amy Zebrun, Levi Massie (Heidi), Mitchell Massie, Sven Massie (Amanda) and Trevor Massie (Stephanie); and 12 great-grandchildren, Emma, Hudson, Ella, Ava, Claire, Axel, Channing, Ezra, Esther, Ty, Maddie and Charlotte.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Yukon and Herta Driver; her husband, Berton Claflin; grandson, Curt Claflin; daughter-in-law, Pam Claflin; brother, Jack Driver; and sister, Georgia Larsen.
A special thanks to Claudia, Dan and Urina, at Persa Care, for their loving care for Mitzi these past years. Their love and compassion at the end of her life was truly a blessing.Thank you.
There will be a funeral at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Bethel Lutheran Church of Brush Prairie, Washington. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude's Children’s hospital.
