Marion Dods Ball Mills

Marion was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. She was an adventurous soul and after receiving her nursing degree she took off to work in a hospital in Oahu, Hawaii. Soon after, she met her future husband, Duard Ball, and quickly fell into the rewards and demands of being a military spouse. Traveling to various duty stations was something she embraced. She was able to set up a home and meet friends in record time. Major General Ball was the Commander of White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and the Director of the M-1 tank development program for the United States Army. Marion supported the social and family wellness programs for these assignments. Together they raised three children and enjoyed a joint successful military career. Unfortunately, Duard succumbed to cancer in 1986.

Marion was fortunate and found true love a second time. She and Robert Mills met by chance in Tucson, Arizona. They became friends and courtship followed. They were married in Sausalito, California in 1989. Marion and Bob lived in the Los Angeles suburb of Redlands for several years. They wanted another place to live and Marion chose Las Cruces, New Mexico. They designed and built a beautiful house in 1992 on a golf course overlooking the Rio Grande River and the valley with the Organ Mountains as a background. They played golf and had lots of recreational travel and cruises. Her favorite trip was a tour of Scotland that included Edinburgh, Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye. While in Scotland they visited the home of the Dods Clan. Marion and Bob enjoyed 22 years in Las Cruces. Marion loved dogs. She raised a Boston Terrier while in grade school. She had an Irish setter, Brittany Spaniel and a line of fun loving bichons. They moved to Fleet Landing in 2014, a delightful Continuing Care Retirement Community in Atlantic Beach, Florida so they would not need family support in their golden years. Marion loved to walk the neighborhoods for exercise and meeting with friends. Sadly, Marion suffered a stroke in July 2023 and was unable to recover.

Mom is survived by her husband, Robert, her children Lisa, Dan, Laurie and son-in-law, John. She has been a loving “Mimi” to her granddaughters, Alexis and Mackenzie.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local dog shelter or the Shriners Hospital.