Mildred “Midge” Valenti Chowning, of Lexington, KY, died June 3, 2016 at the age of 88, surrounded by her three daughters, Margaret Ann Chowning, Sandra Katherine Chowning and Gina Chowning Yeargan. Also by her side that day was her only grandchild and the shining star of her life, James Evan Chowning.
Midge was preceded in death by her one true love and husband, James Arthur Chowning Jr., who died at 49 years of age on June 3, 1978. They had been married for nearly 25 years at the time of his death, having met at a military dance in Washington, DC during the Korean War period. Both children of The Great Depression, Midge was born December 16, 1927 in Phillipsburg, NJ, and Art was born February 23, 1928 in Lexington, KY. When they met in DC, Art was an MP in the US Army and Midge was working as a secretary for the US Navy. With determination and self-reliance which distinguished their generation, they built a flourishing home in Bourbon County, KY near Art’s home place, teaching their children respect for all living beings and for the land on which they lived. They were truly a renaissance couple, ahead of their time.
Depending on the season, Midge stayed active with gardening, preserving homegrown produce, cooking, baking, sewing, candy making, or crafting. She excelled at anything she chose to do but her greatest gift was her kind and generous heart. She was utterly devoted in her role as wife, mother and grandmother. Until she was physically unable, she was an active member of the Catholic Church of the Annunciation in Paris, KY. One of her favorite activities outside the home had been a part-time job at Shady Brook Golf Course in Paris, KY where she made many long-lasting friendships.
Midge is also survived by her sister, Maria Balsemo, the last of seven Valenti siblings raised solely by their mother, Mary Cotonzaro Valenti in Phillipsburg, NJ. In addition, Midge leaves behind a son-in-law, Ricky Yeargan, a brother-in-law, Samuel Balsemo and many loving extended family members and friends that will miss her genuine love and beautiful smile.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, at the Catholic Church of the Annunciation by Rev. Danny Fister and eulogy by Byron Jessup with burial in Evergreen Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be Ricky Yeargan, Mark Balsemo, Dana Wallingford, Darrel Thornberry, John Burke, Bob Layton, Kelly Chowning, and Wes Rowe. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Hinton-Turner Funeral Home.