Betty L. Mills

RICHMOND, Ind. - Betty L. Mills, age 80, of Richmond, died Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Friends Fellowship Community surrounded by her family. Born February 13, 1936, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Clarence J. and Elizabeth Hamann Eckler, Betty was a graduate of St. Charles High School. During high school, she won the National Science Project in Washington, D.C. Betty attended Lindenwood University for one year and then graduated one year early from Earlham College in 1957. It was at Earlham College that she met Ernie, to whom she was married the weekend after graduation. She graduated from medical technology school and worked at Reid Hospital for many years. Betty was instrumental in the architecture, planning, building, and decorating of the current Doan & Mills Funeral Home building and worked much of her time behind the scenes at Doan & Mills Funeral Home. She was a former member of Reid Presbyterian Church and current member of Central United Methodist Church. Betty was active in membership and fund-raising for a plethora of local cultural non-profit organizations including the Whitewater Opera Company where she served more than 10 years on the Board of Directors but had worked for the opera since it first started for a total of 24 years, Richmond Symphony Orchestra (RSO) serving nine terms on the board, Richmond Civic Theatre, Riley Children's Hospital, Wayne County Heart Unit, and Civic Hall Renovation Project. She was twice honored by the RSO Women's Association for outstanding service to the RSO. Betty was a member of Altrusa, member of Psi Iota Xi for more than 25 years, former member of Forest Hills Country Club, and former member of the YWCA board having been instrumental in the Pewter Kitchen making, serving, and advertising lunches to benefit the YWCA. Betty loved playing the piano and violin, having played in the RSO for many years. She had three standard poodles throughout the years, each of which she adored. Betty enjoyed playing golf at the Elks and Forest Hills, gardening and sharing her raspberries and strawberries, cheering on her grandsons in their many sports, shopping, playing bridge with her friends, cooking, baking and sharing her Christmas cookies, sketching, and painting for her grandsons and in the Opening Minds Though Art (OMA) classes at Friends Fellowship Community. Betty always liked a challenge, always had a keen eye for detail, and always had a big heart in helping others. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Ernest W. Mills, to whom she was married on June 16, 1957; daughter, Beth (David) Lydick of Richmond; grandsons, Michael Lydick and Andrew Lydick (girlfriend, Bre Jarrett), all three currently living in Indianapolis, Indiana; sisters-in-law, Norma (Jim) Walker of Olivet, Illinois, Donna Taylor of Chrisman, Illinois, and Katie Myers of New Richmond, Indiana; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; aunts, Hazel (Dr. David) Brock and Olive (Dick) Eckler; uncle, William Hamann; cousin, Clara Ann Wisendanger; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harley and Lois Mills; and brother-in-law, Eugene Taylor. Betty's family would like to thank the staff, nurses, and caregivers of Friends Fellowship Community for their love, friendship, and exceptional care! They always placed a smile on her face and brought out her witty sense of humor. They were all just like family. Visitation for Betty L. Mills will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2016, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Ream and Pastor John Walker officiating. Burial will be in Earlham Cemetery with Rev. Phillip Hodgkin officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: Friends Fellowship Community for the Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) Program, 2030 Chester Boulevard, Richmond, IN 47374; Richmond Symphony Orchestra, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374; or Civic Hall Performing Arts Center, 380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Betty L. Mills

February 13, 1936 - May 21, 2016