Mildred Homsher Eshleman was born June 30th, 1928, in Pequea Township, PA, the second of five children born to Harry F. Mull and Ada Homsher Mull. She died peacefully at the age of 89 in her home in Willow Street, PA, on Friday, December 8th, after a long bout with cancer.

Despite humble beginnings, Millie—as most knew her—always felt that she had much for which to be grateful. Even in her last days, she was quick to thank her caregivers and express appreciation for the smallest of enjoyments. Throughout her life, she loved deeply, playfully, and widely. Her kindness and generosity were legendary, backed by a quiet, unpresuming strength. In addition to her children, she leaves behind many who are both immensely thankful for her presence in their lives and inspired by her example.

Millie grew up in and around Lancaster, PA. She was a 1946 graduate of McCaskey High School and began her work career as an employee of Kirk Johnson and by Armstrong Cork Co. She met her husband, Arthur (Art) Eshleman, at Rocky Springs skating rink. According to a family story, she arrived that evening for another date, but left with Art on the back of his motorcycle. The two wed in 1949 and settled in Willow Street.

Shortly before the birth of their first child, Art was deployed for service in the Army during the Korean War. While he was away, Millie began supplementing the family income by babysitting children in her home, the start of a thirty-year career which touched a remarkable number of lives. During that career, she babysat over 300 different children. Due to the volume of children, the school district added a bus stop in front of her house, and toward the end of her babysitting career, she was featured in the newspaper on two occasions. On the first, a newspaper photographer driving by her home snapped a photo of a tree whose limbs were overflowing with fourteen happy children. The second news story marked her retirement, wherein she explained that she often found herself unable to turn away young working parents who otherwise could not afford childcare.

Millie's faith was devout and sincerely pursued. She sought to love God with all her heart and mind, and loved her neighbor as herself. She and Art were active church members at Refton Evangelical United Brethren in Christ Church and later charter members of Lampeter United Methodist Church after a merger of the two. Over the years, Millie served on numerous committees, was an active member of the Women's Society, and regularly taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Outside of church, she also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years.

As her children reached adulthood and her babysitting career began to wind down, Millie found more time to direct toward her love of gardening, garage sale shopping with family, and early morning walks with friends.

Millie is survived by her children, George Eshleman of Lancaster, Susan Kahler and husband, Steve of Willow Street, Andrew Eshleman and wife Alice Gates, of Portland, OR, Amy Johnson, and husband Bruce of Coatesville, and Randy Hess and wife, Karen of Newton, NC.; five grandchildren; and one great granddaughter. In addition to her parents and husband, Arthur C. Eshleman (1994), Millie was predeceased by siblings: Robert Mull, Pauline (Peg) Shufflebottom, Carl Mull, and Helen Lombardo.

The family will receive guests at a viewing to be held from 6-8 PM on Wednesday evening, December 13th, at the Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, 414 E King Street, Lancaster, PA, and from 10-11 AM on Thursday, December 14, at Lampeter United Methodist Church, 1101 Village Road, Lampeter, PA, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM . Interment will follow at Riverview Memorial Park, Lancaster. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Millie's memory may be offered to Lampeter United Methodist Church at the above address, The American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, the Water Street Mission, 210 S. Prince St., Lancaster, PA 17603, or to a charity of one's choice.