WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Rose Ida Mills, age 94, of Sturgis, passed away early Monday morning, Dec. 20, 2010, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis.
She was born Feb. 24, 1916, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Edward and Carrie Ellen Wright.
Rose’s early life was spent in Sturgis. Following her marriage, she moved to northern Michigan, where she resided for several years. She had also lived in Pontiac and Waterford, returning to Sturgis in 1973.
On May 3, 1936, she married Harold B. Mills in South Bend, Indiana. He died Jan. 27, 2005.
She had been employed by the Michigan Children’s Aid Society and for many years she and Harold were foster parents, and she was also a dedicated wife, mother and homemaker.
Rose was a member of the sewing group at First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. She enjoyed sewing and loved to ride her bicycle, an activity she enjoyed to the age of 91. Over the years, she had cared for many children and she also enjoyed yard work and gardening.
She is survived by two daughters, Judith Sharrow of Memphis, Tenn., and Susan Markham of Chesterfield; two sons, Terrence (Pam) Mills of Apple Valley, Minn., and David (Mary) Mills of Fort Myers, Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Mills of Bend, Ore.; 12 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Billie Mathis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a son, Kent Mills; one sister; and three brothers.
The family will receive friends from 11 am.-12:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Road, Sturgis, where funeral services celebrating the life of Rose Mills will begin at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday. The Rev. Robert Keim of First United Methodist Church in Sturgis will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at the Sturgis Memorial Gardens in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Mills’ memory consider the Alzheimer’s Association, Midwest Affiliate, 2300 Portage St., Suite 341, Kalamazoo, MI 49001; or the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
