Mila Mae Woodard Laudick, age 90, who was called to her heavenly home on September 19, 2026, at Decatur County Memorial Hospital following a sudden health decline over several weeks. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
Mila was born at home on September 24, 1935, in Lombard, Kentucky, to Charles Woodard and Sylvia Spurlock Woodard, who preceded her in death. Growing up in the hills of Kentucky, her family moved frequently and lived in modest homes. Those early experiences helped shape her resilient spirit, strong work ethic, and deep appreciation for family. She often spoke fondly of her siblings, Howard, Harold, James, and Glen Woodard, and sisters Betty Woodard, Shirley Royal, and Laura Williams, all of whom preceded her in death.
Despite the challenges of her childhood, Mila excelled academically and was dedicated to her education. She graduated from Clarksburg High School in 1954 as Valedictorian of her class. Her commitment to learning, determination, and strong work ethic were evident from an early age and remained hallmarks of her character throughout her life. She led by example, instilling those same values in her children and grandchildren.
In 1955, she married John H. Laudick, and together they raised five children: Linda, Rick, Jane, Denny, and Julie. Following high school, Mila worked as a secretary at Republican Headquarters located in the Claypool Hotel in Indianapolis. She later spent 34 years as a quality inspector at Federal-Mogul BCA, retiring in 1998. The work was often hot, greasy, and demanding, but Mila did whatever was necessary to provide for her family and ensure her children had what they needed.
Mila was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, beloved great-grandmother, and loyal friend whose kindness, strength, and unwavering love touched all who knew her. She dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating treasured memories. She enjoyed reading books and, later in life, listening to audiobooks due to vision impairment. She loved a competitive game of poker at family gatherings, betting on the ponies, playing slot machines at casinos, watching ABC World News Tonight with David Muir, Judge Judy, and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts from her 65-inch screen television. She especially enjoyed girls’ trips to Florida and traveling with her longtime companion and beloved friend, Richard Fischer, who preceded her in death in 2016.
As a mother, she provided guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. As a grandmother and great-grandmother, she found immense joy in watching her family grow and took pride in every accomplishment, milestone, and moment shared together. Her gentle spirit, wisdom, and caring heart will continue to live on through the generations she helped shape.
Mila had a remarkable ability to make others feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her compassion, generosity, and sense of humor brought comfort and joy to countless lives. During the last three years of her life, she resided at Morning Breeze Assisted Living, where she formed many meaningful friendships with both residents and staff. Her mind remained sharp, and family members often turned to her for clarification on names, dates, and family stories from years past.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda (John) Humpert; granddaughters Lisa (Andy) Schwering and their children, Alaina and Luke; and Lora Humpert and her children, Noah Schweinhart, Mila DeHoff, and John DeHoff.
She is also survived by the family of her late son, Rick Laudick and late daughter-in-law, Mary Laudick: granddaughter Rikki (Cody) Hege and their children, Brody and Andi Hege.
Also surviving are her daughter, Jane Eckert (Mike Vertesch), widow of Phil Eckert; Jane and Phil’s children; Adam Eckert and Hayley (Jack) Wagner.
Her son, Denny (Heidi) Laudick; granddaughter Denia Patterson and her children, Huxton and Lettie Patterson; granddaughter Kylee Laudick; and grandson Matthew (Baili) Laudick and their children, Linkin, Mia, and Tate.
Her daughter, Julie Himes; grandson Kyle Hood (Debbie Burton); granddaughter Maggie Himes and her children, Lairra and Emma Law; and grandson Bryant (Kylea) Himes and their son, Henrik Himes.
Family adopted daughter: Dear and devoted friend to family, Becky Brown.
Though our hearts are saddened by her loss, we find comfort in the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the legacy she leaves behind. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be forever loved and never forgotten.
Visitation will be held at Porter-Oliger-Pearson Funeral Home in Greensburg, Indiana, on Mila’s 91st birthday, September 24, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. Following the funeral service, a graveside service will be conducted at St. Mary’s Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of her life and to honor the many beautiful memories she leaves behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Mila’s memory to the Decatur County Animal Shelter in memory of Mila’s late beloved furry canine companion of 15 years, Sadie Mae or the Talking Books Library of Indianapolis, organizations that reflected her love of animals and her appreciation for accessible reading services.
The family appreciates your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time.