Mildred Lucille Hartwell

Mildred Lucille Hartwell, 84, passed from this world Friday, May 3, Princeton Community Hospital.  “Miss Mildred,” as she was referred to by many of those who got to know her, was born September 7, 1939.  She was the daughter of Kyle & Cartha Crabtree, and lived most of her life in Southern West Virginia, with her husband of nearly 65 years, Ronald Hartwell.  She was a member of the Bluefield Virginia Church of God, where she sang with the choir and helped in what capacity she could, when church functions were under way.  She loved her church family, which was many.

To her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and several others, she was known simply as “maw-maw.”  She was loved by whoever she came into contact with, and was blessed with a smile that made you understand, that the love she offered was heart-felt and genuine.  She graduated from Bramwell High School, and had been able to take classes and acquire credits at what is now Bluefield State University.  She was a retiree of the United States Postal Service, where many of her customers can recall her, even now, and often speak highly of her.

She was preceded in death by her son, Ronnie Hartwell, and son-in-law Sketch Dietrich; as well as a granddaughter, Ashley Harris; also great grandson Nathan Kyle Spicer and great granddaughter Haven Marie Hartwell, and two brothers, Edgar Crabtree and Richard Crabtree.  Left to cherish the many wonderful memories she allowed us, is her husband Ronald Hartwell, along with her son Brian Hartwell and her daughter Colette Dietrich.  Grandchildren were Phillip Hartwell, Stevie Coleman & wife Christina, Matthew Coleman, Sara Repass & husband Sean, Josh Coleman, Emily Coleman, Hannah Dietrich, Derrik Hartwell, Summer Hartwell, Ronnie Hartwell, and Lillian Hartwell.  A number of great grandchildren & great, great grandchildren were also a part of maw-maw’s life, as well.

She also has sister Loretta Call & husband Cecil, along with sister Barbara Frost, left to cherish her memory, as well as brothers Roger Crabtree & wife Becky, Charles Crabtree & wife Sheila, and Roy (Rocky) Crabtree & wife Mary.  Mildred had been friends with, and was very close to Phyllis Hartwell and Joan Hartwell during her younger years, and they had remained close through the years.  There were numerous aunts & uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws that she had been close to, as well, at various times throughout her life.  She lived a very full life, surrounded by the many family and friends who loved her.  The world, absent her loving smile and gracious heart, will be just a shade darker, and she will be missed greatly by those who knew her; on the other hand, I believe heaven became another shade brighter, as I realize it’s not really a goodbye, as, “I will see you later.”

Mildred’s service will be held at the Bluefield Virginia Church of God, May 11, 2024, with visitation from 12:00 to 2:00, with the service beginning at 2:00.  Presiding over the service will be Pastor Phillip White.  A special thanks to Jimmie Shires, who knew my mother and remembered her well.  Mr. Shires will be managing her service.