Mildred Jo Motter Kristoffersen

Mildred Jo Motter Kristoffersen, 90, longtime Worthington resident, died Tuesday morning, January 19, 2016 at her son’s home in Bucyrus where she was living in recent months.



She was born to the late John Wiley and Mildred (Hayworth) Williams on January 7, 1926 in Gilliam, Louisiana where her father worked in the oil fields. The family moved to Trinidad before returning to her mother’s hometown of Ada, Ohio. It was at Ada High School where she met Leo Clair Motter. Milly graduated in 1944 and attended Ohio Northern University, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelors in Education and later, while living in Springfield, earning a Masters in Education-Counseling with the first graduating class of Wright State University where her granddaughter graduated at its 82nd commencement ceremony.



She and Clair were married in 1946 after his return from WW2 and they soon settled in Worthington. Clair preceded her in death unexpectedly on February 6, 1974. While working for OSU in Educational Development, she met Dr. Thorvald “Kris” Kristoffersen and they were married in 1976. Milly loved to play Bridge with both Clair and Kris and the love of the game led to her becoming a Life Master and compete in Duplicate Tournaments. Milly and Kris traveled to Israel, Denmark (Kris’ home), the Caribbean, and Georgia to visit family. Kris preceded her in death January 25, 2013 after 36 memorable years.



Milly will be remembered as a strong-willed leader and consummate hostess who was very stylish in her day. She worked as a teacher and school counselor; was a long time member of Worthington United Methodist Church and its Women’s Club, writing many articles for the church newsletter; Worthington Women’s Club; OSU Faculty Wives Club; University Women’s Club; Republican Women’s Club; and many others. She recently joined the First Presbyterian Church after moving to Bucyrus.



Milly is survived by son, John Andrew “Andy” (Leslie) Motter; stepson, Erik (Peggy) Kristoffersen; grandchildren, Christine (Greg) Wright, Robert (Natalie) Motter, Teresa (Wiley) Crider, James Errett Motter, and Sarah Emily Motter; step grandchildren, Michael (Katie) Kristoffersen, Laura (Ben) Ernst, Caroline (Joe) Lavoie, and Paul Kristoffersen; and great grandchildren, William, Anna Claire, Bradley, Bennett and Hudson Wright, Cora Crider, and Elliot and Margot Kristoffersen.



In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Pamela “Pam” Greenway; son-in-law, Glynn Greenway; and sister, Bettye Thobaben.



Milly’s family will receive friends at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St. in Bucyrus on FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 from 4-6 pm. Memorial services will be held at Worthington United Methodist Church on SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 at 3:00 pm (Visitation 2-3 pm) with Pastor Cyndy Garn officiating and First Presbyterian Church in Bucyrus on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 at 2:00 pm with Pastor John Cory officiating. Milly will be inurned next to Clair in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ada.



Memorial Contributions are encouraged to be given to Worthington United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, or OhioHealth Hospice through the funeral home and memories can be shared on Milly’s Tribute Wall.