In Loving Memory of Mildred Joy “Millie” Evans (July 27, 1946 - August 10, 2024)

Mildred Joy “Millie” Evans, age 78, of Indianapolis, IN, peacefully passed away on August 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Millie was born on July 27, 1946, in Viroqua, Wisconsin, the cherished daughter of Clinton Archie and Olga (Olson) Honaker. Growing up on her family's tobacco farm in Viroqua, Millie learned the values of hard work and dedication from an early age. After graduating from high school, she pursued her passion for helping others by enrolling in the Rockford School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1965 as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). 

On August 29, 1965, Millie married Thomas Joe Strait, and together they welcomed two children, Thomas Joe Strait Jr. and Christine Joy Strait. Following the end of her first marriage, Millie married Hiram Banda on January 5, 1980, and their union was blessed with another son, Hiram (Bo) Banda III.

In 1981, Millie made the courageous decision to relocate to Indianapolis, IN, as a single parent, where she continued to raise her three children with unwavering love and strength. Throughout her 43-year career as an LPN, Millie touched countless lives with her compassion, skill, and dedication to her patients. Her commitment to her family and profession was unmatched, and her absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew her.

Millie is preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Olga Honaker, and her beloved siblings, Earl Honaker, Conrad Honaker, Catherine (Walter) Beck, and Betty Honaker. She is survived by her three children: Thomas Strait Jr. of Honolulu, HI; Christine (Anthony) Mason of Franklin, IN; and Hiram (Rosa) Banda III of Westfield, IN. She also leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: T.J. (Yvonne) Strait, Kyle Joe Strait, Kayla Mascoe, Brooke VanArsdale, Jace Banda, Romeo Banda, and Santiago Banda, as well as her great-grandchildren: Eliana Shank, Dakota VanArsdale, Piper Strait, and her step-great-grandchildren. Millie is also remembered fondly by her many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

As the last surviving member of her generation in the Honaker family, Millie’s legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and the countless lives she impacted throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the family via Venmo (@Hiram-B) or through the Memorial Gifts section on this page.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on September 28th from noon to 2 pm at Harry W. Moore Chapel, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46250.

Millie’s family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her selfless love, unwavering support, and the warmth she brought to everyone she encountered. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

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