Mildred Louise Orlea

Mildred “Midge” Louise Orlea, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Fountain Springs in Covington, Indiana.

She was born on November 11, 1938, in Granger, Wyoming—the daughter of Lewis “Skete” Nelson Watt and Inez Mildred (Edwards) Watt.

Midge was united in marriage to Richard Lee Orlea in Westville, Illinois, on February 20, 1960. They were married for 65 years.

She is survived and dearly missed by her children: Shane Orlea (Louise), Stacy Orlea, and Shawn Orlea (Crystal); grandchildren: Vaughan Orlea and Carson Orlea; a sister, Mary Etta (Mert) (Watt) Currie (Steve); a cousin, Robert "Butch" Watt, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William (Bill) Watt, a sister-in-law, Shirley (Orlea) Supancic, and a niece, Holly (Hussmann) Skoglund.

Midge graduated from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing—Class of 1959, and she has served her community for over 50 years in the nursing profession. On October 31, 1993, she was approved for advancement to Registered Professional Nurse III. She was a role model as a patient advocate, taking the initiative to make recommendations for changes in policies, and her problem solving abilities were outstanding. Midge was a very hard worker raising a family of five while working and maintaining a household. She never missed a birthday or holiday for her family and friends. She was very artistic and liked Christmas lights, spring trees and flowers in bloom. She enjoyed travel, shopping, had a sweet tooth, was highly intelligent and business oriented investing in lucrative farm, advertising, and real estate ventures. She loved animals and was a good listener. After retirement, her and her husband spent many years traveling to Florida for the winters. She dressed impeccably and had a no-nonsense way about her.

Time gives life meaning, and Midge gave our lives meaning.

 There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another.

 Now, these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, but the greatest of these is LOVE.

A Celebration of Life for Midge will take place at 2PM EST on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Covington Chapel 420 3rd Street Covington, Indiana 47932. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park 3901 North Vermilion Street Danville, Illinois 61834. Visitation will be held from 12PM EST to 2PM EST on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be sent in c/o Mildred Louise Orlea to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Covington Chapel 420 3rd Street in Covington, Indiana is honored to be caring for the family.

Please join the family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.