Mildred Cody Droege, 96, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away peacefully at her home on January 22, 2026. She was born on August 28, 1929, in Hughesville, Missouri, the daughter of Rush and Zella (Kindle) Janney.

Cody graduated from Hughesville High School in 1947. Following graduation, she worked for two years as a telephone operator at Southwestern Bell in Sedalia, Missouri. On March 29, 1949, she was united in marriage to Andrew Droege at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Brinkville, Missouri. Together, they operated the Brinkville Grocery Store before moving to Valley City in 1953, where they owned and ran another grocery store until 1962.

That same year, Cody began working in the bookkeeping department at Citizen's Bank in Warrensburg. In 1971, Cody and Andy moved to Warrensburg, Missouri, where they made their home. She remained with Citizen's Bank until her retirement in 1990. She was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg and was active in the church's women's organizations.

Cody also volunteered her time at Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg, assisting with office work, the gift shop, and other needs. She never met a stranger... just friends she hadn't talked to yet. Cody enjoyed gardening, crappie fishing, dancing with Andy, scrapbooking, traveling, and visiting family in Germany. A talented cook with a true gift for hospitality, Cody took great pride in preparing meals for her family. Her loved ones especially cherished her fried chicken and desserts, particularly her pies. Gooseberry pie and peanut butter fudge were her specialties. Several of her grandchildren lived in her home while attending the University of Central Missouri.

She is survived by a son, Garry Droege (Joy) of Harrisonville; a daughter, Deanna Maxwell (Richard) of Peculiar; grandchildren Lance Maxwell, Marc Maxwell, Kristi Thompson, Paul Thompson, Ryan Droege, and Julie Dennis; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cody was a devoted wife who was preceded in death by her beloved husband Andy; by her parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Neal Janney; and by her great-grandsons Jake Maxwell and Brooks Thompson.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 2, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg. A viewing will take place Tuesday, February 3, at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Warrensburg. Burial will follow at Knob Noster Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lance Maxwell, Paul Thompson, Ryan Droege, Sam Droege, Drew Droege, Ryder Thompson, Bricker Maxwell, and Teague Thompson. Honorary pallbearers include Marc Maxwell, Jim Baker, Gene Burden, Tom Carey, Jack Easterwood, Shawn Lindley, and Melvin Therhoff.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Warrensburg.