Kathryn May Mills

In Loving Memory of KATHRYN MAY MILLS Born in Somner, IL on April 23, 1921 Departed on February 19, 2017 – Wheat Ridge, CO She grew up on a big farm in southern Illinois where she helped her family grow soybeans, raise dairy cows, chickens and horses. She learned piano at 5-years old and played by memory and ear, up into her 70s. In high school, she was elected to office of President of the Girls Athletic Association of Illinois which promoted organized girl’s sports (basketball, softball) which was new at the time. She married, James Oliver Mills in 1940 just prior to World War II. They lived in various locations with their three daughters such as, Robinson, Illinois; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and finally to Golden, Colorado where she decided it was “God’s Country”. She is survived by three daughters: Pamela Golden, Theresa Latiolais, and Cecelia Mills all near the Front Range. Four lovely grandchildren: Denae Kerns, Joel Eachus, Miriam Golden Laws, and Angelica Sumpter. Seven great grandchildren: Audree, Ava, and Adele Kerns; Jacob Eachus; Eva and Violet Laws, and Logan and Lilly Sumpter. She is preceded in death by her parents, Merit and Fern Lathrop; sister, Evelyn and brother, Mervin. Also, loving husband James Oliver Mills.  She was an active member of the Catholic Church and Schools including fundraising for both. She made rosaries for priests in East India and intentionally wrapped them individually in American newspapers to help them learn to read English ! She also enjoyed sewing and cooking (best scratch cinnamon rolls in the world!) as well as business skills that she has passed to her daughters. She moved her family to the Golden area in 1964 and made sure she and her girls got to play in the mountains all year round. She took her girls to the mountains every weekend for a day of fun. Skiing at Loveland, ice skating and tubing at Evergreen Lake or Genesee park. In the summer fishing at Evergreen Lake and Barker Reservoir. Her strength, energy, humor, and positive attitude were as contagious as her laugh and beautiful smile. Her love for her children, grand-children, and family is unmatched and will live on. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Kathryn Mills name to Mountain Vista Health Center, 4800 Tabor Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or Little Sisters of the Poor-Mullen Home, 3629 W. 29th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211-3601