Nancy Mills

Selfless, devoted and hard working are just a few of the many things that come to mind when recalling the life of Nancy Mills. She was dedicated to the family she loved, and raised her children by example. Although quiet in nature, Nancy had a way of bringing calm to an otherwise bustling household all while using her wonderful sense of humor to see the best in any situation. Deeply loved, Nancy will be forever missed and long remembered in the heart of many.

Nancy's story began in the year 1924 when Calvin Coolidge was the 30th President of the United States and at a time when industry was booming in the U.S. With the economy soaring, the Roaring Twenties brought excitement to the air within an ever changing culture. In the Michigan city of Jackson, Samuel and Marguerite (Eppley) Colvin were especially blessed on August 16, 1924 when they welcomed the birth of their second child, Nancy.

Nancy grew up alongside her older brother, Jack and later, younger sister, Betty. Raised in the village of Berrien Springs, Michigan located on the southwest corner of the state along the St. Joseph River, her father worked as a pharmacist while her mother was a schoolteacher. Even though the onset of the Great Depression cast a shadow of economic gloom across the U.S., Nancy enjoyed a typical childhood despite the times. She attended the area schools, tap dancing and swimming through her formative years in school. During her senior year, Nancy and her fellow classmates took an exciting senior trip to Washington, D.C. which left wonderful memories for Nancy to reflect before graduating from Berrien Spring High School with the Class of 1942.

To further her education, Nancy attended business school for a short time, yet after meeting Herbert Mills through a friend, Nancy's heart was taken with this young soldier who in time she would spend 65 years of her life with. After dating for a brief time, Nancy and Herbert were happily married on February 21, 1943 on one of his leaves from the service. While her beloved Herbert was overseas during World War II, Nancy lived with her parents until he was discharged from the service, returning home to her awaiting arms at the war's end.

Finally able to begin their lives anew, Nancy and Herbert settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Before long, the love of seven children filled Nancy's heart with joy with the addition of John, Rebecca, Kaye, Herbert, Bonnie, Penny, and Tammy. A bustling household indeed, Nancy managed making a good home for Herbert and kids all while holding down several jobs through the years. She worked off and on at the Paper Mill, worked as a bookkeeper, at Gibson Guitar, and served as a teller at a bank in the Martin area from where she eventually retired. During this time, Nancy and her family moved to Plainwell where they remained for a number of years.

No stranger to a busy life, Nancy seemed to take it all in stride. She was a calm woman, and ran her household accordingly. She was an excellent cook whose specialties were found in the comfort foods her family loved, such as her delicious blueberry cake and coffee cakes. She also found joy in gardening, and canned much of what she grew. Not only could Nancy stretch a dollar with such a large family, she could also make a meal go quite far where everyone was welcome at her table.

Dogs were not Nancy's favorite, but as a family they always had a dog in their home. She certainly was by no means a dog lover, but loved them just the same simply because her husband did. Nancy loved camping, and together with her family great times were shared and endless memories were made camping each year. They traveled to California to camp, and everywhere in between. Nancy also had a love for traveling in general. At one point she enjoyed a trip to England with her mother, and later, she and Herbert spent a memorable time in Spain.

Nancy enjoyed the holidays with her family and often knitted mittens for the kids at Christmastime. She was a talented seamstress, and an avid reader. In her free time she enjoyed being a member of the Eastern Star and getting together with her group, the Golden Girls to enjoy cards and Dominos. It was always a joy to share Nancy's company. Although she tended to be on the quiet side, she enlightened everyone with her wonderful sense of humor. After retiring, Herbert and Nancy enjoyed wintering in the warmer climate of Florida for a number of years.

As a loving and devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Nancy leaves much for those who knew and loved her to remember. She worked hard for the family she adored, and selflessly gave to those around her. Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind as she is deeply missed, and fondly remembered.

Nancy Mills, age 90 of Plainwell, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2014 at the Fountains at Bronson Place. Visit with her family and friends and view her life story film on Monday, December 1, 2014 from 10-11 AM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881) where her funeral will follow at 11:00 AM at the same location. Nancy’s family includes her children: John (Patty) Mills, Rebecca (Robert) Dykema, Kaye (Michael) Herbert, Herbert (Belva) Mills, Bonnie (James) Hoffman, Penny (David) Dapser, Tammy (James) Klemens; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; her sister, Betty as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Herbert and by her brother, Jack. Please visit Nancy’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory, photo and sign her memory book online. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.