Evelyn Marie Mills

Evelyn Marie Richards Mills, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully in her home on December 3, 2021 at the age of 84. She was the sixth child born on October 10, 1937 in Tombstone, Arizona to Charles Lowell Richards and Merle Hunt. She grew up in Safford, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University (ASU) with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1959. She met the love of her life, Vaughn Rue Mills, of Show Low, Arizona while attending ASU. They were sealed for time and all eternity on June 26, 1959 in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They spent most of their time living in El Centro, California; Sandy, Utah; Salinas, California and Gilbert, Arizona where they raised their family.

Evelyn taught in various public schools in California and Utah for over 40 years. She loved to cook, sew, quilt, garden, read, watch movies, and travel. In her retirement years, she shared her talents by making hats and blankets for the babies at the Mercy Gilbert Hospital, were she volunteered in the gift shop. She also volunteered at the Mesa Arizona Temple as an ordinance worker, and at Queen Creek Performing Arts Center. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served in many capacities. She had a way of making everyone feel special. She was very appreciative when others served her and often expressed her thanks by baking them goodies in return. Most will remember her as always being willing to help and her contagious smile. She loved her family and they were her most prized possession.

Evelyn is survived by her five children; Telvin [Sherilyn] Mills of West Jordan, Utah; Kurt [Mary] Mills of Burley, Idaho; Bradley [Kenna] Mills of American Fork, Utah; Owen [Sheri] Mills of Gilbert, Arizona; and Mardria [Brian] Woodward of Evanston, Wyoming. She has 18 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers, one sister, and one granddaughter.

A viewing will be held Friday, December 10, 2021 from 6 – 8 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 26023 E. Lemon Avenue, Queen Creek, Arizona. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 11, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the same location. Interment will follow at the Valley of Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Arizona.

Flowers for the funeral services or donations can be sent to Valley of Sun Mortuary in Chandler, Arizona, 10940 East Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, Arizona (480) 895-9232.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valleyofthesunfuneralhome.com for the Mills family.