On Sunday, January 31, 2021, Ermila "Millie" Loretta Rodriguez, loving daughter, sister, aunt, grand aunt and great-grand aunt, passed away at the age of 80 in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Millie was born on September 18, 1940, in Blythe, California to Eduardo and Luz Rodriguez, who immigrated to Blythe in 1926 from Durango, Mexico. Her parents owned and operated the La Victoria grocery store and tortilla factory in Blythe. Born to a family of 8 children, Millie was the 6th child.

She attended all public schools and graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1958. In 1962, she received her B.A. degree in Spanish Literature from the University of San Diego, California and had an incredible 30-year career (1962-1992) with the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Affairs Officer.

During her career, Millie served rotational assignments with the State Department and CIA using her Spanish language skills. She worked in Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, CA; New York City; and abroad at U.S. Embassies in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Managua, Nicaragua; and Tokyo, Japan. While in Japan, Millie went to the Philippine Islands for a month and in Manila she met with Imelda Marcos and had tea with her.

Her nieces and nephews fondly remember her exciting career especially when she returned home to Blythe after her assignments abroad bringing with her thrilling stories and suitcases full of foreign souvenirs. They were intrigued by the mystique of both her role as a foreign agent and a jet setter replete with a scarf, sunglasses, and long cigarette holder. Millie reveled in conversing with people about her worldly experiences. She cherished her huge family and especially her nieces and nephews, always inquiring about every detail of their lives.

Upon retirement in 1992, Millie returned to Blythe to help take care of Mama Luz ad pursue other interests. In Blythe she taught ESL and Adult Basic Education at Palo Verde College. She served as was chair of the PV Valley Economic Development Partnership; was a member of the Soroptimist International, Rotary International of Blythe, and served on the Board of Directors of the Blythe Chamber of Commerce; was Vice-Chair of the Community Improvement Program Board; and served on the governing board of Palo Verde Hospital. She was also a substitute teacher at Palo Verde High School.

Millie was preceded in death by her father Eduardo, her mother Luz, her brother Edward Rodriguez, and her sisters Mary Goforth, Carmen Micalizio and Lucia Ojeda. She is survived by her sister Hortencia Vasquez, brothers Leonard and Xavier Rodriguez, 26 nieces and nephews; 53 grand nieces and nephews; 34 great-grand nieces and nephews and several cousins.

A viewing and rosary will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 at the Frye Chapel and Mortuary (75 people maximum, please wear a mask and practice social distancing) on 633 N. 7th Street, Blythe, CA 92225 at 9 and 10 AM respectively. A Mass will follow at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on E. Chanslor Way at 11 AM (Mass will be held outside, please bring a chair and wear a mask). Flowers and cards may be sent to Frye Chapel & Mortuary. There will be no organized gatherings after the services. For those unable to attend services, a graveside blessing and service will be held at a later date to be announced.

Below is the information to join online via ZOOM:

Virginia Vasquez is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Millie's Service
Time: Feb 19, 2021 09:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 848 2824 7146
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For any questions, please send email to: Blythe1956@aol.com