Izona J. Milligan’s entire life was focused on children, and before her death last month, she left one final gift for the children of Taft.

Milligan, a former school teacher in Taft and Muskogee, donated money so that children in Taft would have a Christmas party.

Milligan, 88, died Nov. 30 in Kansas City, Mo.

“Everyone knew Mrs. Milligan. Mrs. Milligan had a big heart for kids,” said Devyn Denton, who has been arranging the party that will take place beginning at 4 p.m. today.

Even though Denton grew up in Oklahoma City, she had family ties in Taft and knew Milligan.

“One of my favorite memories was of Mrs. Milligan and my grandmother going around making sure all the kids were taken care of,” Denton said.

The money Milligan donated will be used so that Taft children will have cookies, candy, hot cider and other goodies.

“Some of the churches and individuals have brought by candy, and a case of hot chocolate was donated,” Denton said.

An African-American Santa will be on hand, and Denton will be taking pictures of the children with Santa. And, Santa or one of his elves will read “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” Denton said.

Visitors to a guest book on Legacy.com posted comments about Milligan following her death.

“Mrs. Milligan was an elementary teacher of mine at Cherokee. Tough lady that showed a lot of love to her students, and I will always remember her,” wrote Charles Thompson of Forest Park. “May the most high God bless all the family and may her soul rest in peace.”

“To the Milligan family, I will always remember the smile and the great person Ms. Milligan was,” wrote Shannon Gipson of Tulsa.

Allen and Eugenia Sherron wrote that Milligan’s smile and positive energy encouraged children to do their best.

“The love and care you gave all students, those old and young, will always be remembered by those lives you touched,” they wrote.

In addition to being a retired teacher, Milligan also was a World War II veteran.

Milligan was buried, with military honors, in Blackjack Cemetery.

Reach Elizabeth Ridenour at 684-2929 or eridenour@muskogeephoenix.com.



If you go

WHAT: Taft children’s Christmas party.

WHERE: Taft Resource Center.

WHEN: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. today.

WHO: Everyone is welcome to attend.

ETC.: Free.

INFORMATION: Devyn Denton, 441-9810.