Millie was born at home on a farm, 1 ½ miles north and 2 miles east of Aurora, Kansas. Her parents, Marie Fredoline Letourneau-Blackwell and Edward "Eddie" Howard Blackwell moved the family to a farm owned by Marie's father, Zephyr Letourneau, where they lived until Millie was eight years old.

She attended her first three years of school at Hopewell Elementary country school in Aurora, Kansas. Milled was very athletic in her younger years. She was always chosen first when it came to competitive sports, even as a first grader. She graduated from Saint Peter's Catholic High School in 1953 in Aurora Kansas.

In 1940 the family moved to a farm purchased by her dad. The farm was 1 ½ miles north of Aurora, Kansas. In 1946, during the polio epidemic, Millie was stricken with polio, leaving her completely paralyzed. She managed to recover but lost the use of her right arm and experienced muscle weakness in her left leg. After years of therapy and numerous surgeries, Millie was able to gain some mobility which enabled her to live a normal life. Through sheer grit and determination, she was able to ride a bike and learned to write with her left hand. Millie had a motto when faced with a challenge, she would often say "Just let me be and I'll figure it out."

In June of 1953 she met her husband to be, Vernon Anthony Solbach, and they were married July 24, 1954. They were happily married for 68 years. Together they had 8 children; Anthony Joseph (Tony), Edward John (Ed), Jeanne Marie, Marey Kathryn, Martha Michelle, Genevieve Joann, Renee Monica, and Erich Matthew, who died just a few days after birth.

Millie was a wonderful homemaker, as her children will attest. She taught herself how to cook and sew. She was a very talented seamstress and enjoyed making her children's clothes when they were younger. She also was an avid reader. She was a devout Catholic and was involved in a variety of organizations within her parish which included prayer groups, youth and adult education, charismatic renewal and marriage encounter. Millie was a kind and thoughtful person, who was a devoted wife and mother. She was very generous of her time and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Millie experienced post-polio syndrome in her later years and some of the effects of polio gradually came back, causing muscle weakness and fatigue. In 2007 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. her long road with Alzheimer's ended on September 20, 2022. Millie's journey here on earth ended peacefully at home with her husband and daughter by her side. She now takes her place in heaven with Jesus by her side.

Millie is survived by her husband Vern Solbach; her children Anthony Solbach (Marlys) of Vermillion SD, Edward Solbach (Susie) of Vancouver, WA, Jeanee Williams (Bobby) if Umapine, OR, Mary Hammond (Ron) of Touchet, WA, Michelle McEntire (Graham) of Walla Walla, WA, Genny Cooper (Tom) of Walla Walla, WA, Renee Porter of Walla Walla, WA; a sister, Mary Kenworthy of Concordia, KS; 24 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.

Millie was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Eddie Blackwell; her son Erich Mathew Solbach; her sisters Peggy Sulanka, and Gladys Chaput; and her brothers Richard and Carroll Blackwell.

A Mass will be held at Saint Peter's Church in Aurora, Kansas on Monday September 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Joe Kieffer officiating. Interment will follow at Saint Peter's Cemetery in Aurora, Kansas. A Rosary will be prayed on the morning of the service at 10:30 a.m. at the Saint Peter's Catholic Church, led by her sister, Mary Kenworthy. All are welcome to a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Aurora, Kansas. Donations may be made in honor of Millie to Saint Peter's Church in Aurora, Kansas.