Mildred Denise Ploger

CATTARAUGUS — Mildred Denise Ploger, 73, of the Town of Otto, passed away Friday (Feb. 20, 2026) at her home.

She was born Sept. 25, 1952, in Indiana, Pa., the daughter of the late Ralph and Mildred Paynter Brinks Sr. On May 4, 1974, she married Kevin Ploger, who survives.

Mrs. Ploger had worked at Robinson Knife in Springville and at Prestolite in Arcade.

She was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Otto, and enjoyed going to the casino. Her true joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Besides her loving husband, she is survived by three daughters, Heather (Kyle) Harris of Cattaraugus, Kristie (Chester) Gamble of Navarre, Fla. and Sara (Stosh) Green of Cattaraugus; nine grandchildren, Casey (Dustin), Adam, Jacob, Joslyn, Ashlee, Tyler, Connor, Brielee and Alex (Josh); and two great-grandchildren, MaKenna and Rhett. Also surviving is a brother, Ralph (Sue) Brinks Jr. of Olean; a sister, Cora Pascarella of Salamanca; and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Kathyrn Jacobs; and two great-grandchildren, Sadie and Sophia.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8, 2026, from the Cattaraugus Fireman’s Club.

Memorials may be made to the Otto Vol. Fire Dept.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 411 Rock City St. in Little Valley.