Richard “Dick” Mills went to be with Jesus on February 7, 2012. He was 82.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Good Shepherd Community Church on Monday, February 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.
Richard Oliver Mills was born in Butte, Montana on September 25, 1929 to Oliver and Lillian (Johnson) Mills. The family moved to Glendale, CA pursuing a warmer climate and better job opportunities.
Dick gave his life to Jesus at an early age. He was active in his church, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at Redondo Beach where he led a Junior Fellowship group of 4th- 6th graders for many years. Dick graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara with a degree in education. While there he met the love of his life, Betty Lou Ehret. They were married August 31, 1952.
Early in their marriage Dick was stationed in Japan for 17 months as he served in the Army near the end of the Korean conflict. Upon his return he started his career as a High School teacher which ended up lasting a total of 41 years. During this time he earned a Master’s Degree in education from the University of Southern California.
Dick had the gift of helping. He loved planning trips and traveling especially with family and friends. He was the instigating force behind the beginning of two different RV groups, first at his church in southern California and then here in Oregon at Good Shepherd Community Church. He also loved working with his hands and could fix almost anything. He was very tenacious and his motto was “If at once you don’t succeed, try, try, again”. Dick was an avid gardener, loved reading adventure novels and was a car buff. He was a devoted father and grandfather; the biggest fan of his kids and grandkids, always keeping track of their pursuits and interests.
Dick will be missed for his great sense of humor and his positive attitude. He always saw the bright spot in everything. He often thanked the Lord for his many blessings, and endured patiently the illness that caused him to be on dialysis for the last 5 years.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years Bettie; sons, Thomas Curtis Mills of Orlando, FL and David Nathan Mills of Henderson, NV; daughter, Susan Marie Mills Overby of Gresham; 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.