Leola E Millis

Leola was the 9th child of eleven children born to the loving parents of Thomas Leroy Mecham and Catherine Isabel Wilkerson Mecham in Talmage, Utah, on February 11, 1924. Leola passed away at her home in Arcata, CA on July 5, 2011, surrounded by her family, plants, pictures of her grandchildren and beloved book of Longfellow's Evangeline.

Leola married Woodrow "Woody" Wilson Bare on October 25, 1941 in Reno, NV. Together, they raised three children: Teddy Wilson Bare, Geneil "L" Bare Warren, and Drusilla Gail Bare Fullerton. In 2004, Leola and her children were reunited with Ann Evonne Bare Sutton, Woody's daughter. After Woody's passing in 1967, Leola returned to school and attended Humboldt Business College before continuing on to College of the Redwoods as a business major. Leola worked for the Humboldt Del Norte Medical Foundation as a claims supervisor for 19 years before retiring in 1989. She maintained a lifelong friendship with many of her co-workers. In 1974, love once again came into Leola's life when her niece Mary Cole Woodard and Mary's best friend, Joan Millis Miller introduced her to Joan's father Thomas "Tom" Millis. After a short courtship, Leola and Tom were married on August 24, 1974. They spent almost ten years fulfilling their love of fishing the Klamath River with each other and their dear friends Louis and Audrey Dodd. Together, they enjoyed their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We were truly blessed to have Tom as a grandparent to all of our children.

Leola will be remembered by family and friends for many things. She was an amazing seamstress, always paying attention to even the smallest detail. Her grandchildren will forever be wrapped in the warm memories of flannel pajamas made by Grandma. Her kitchen will never be the same without the smell of fried chicken, baking bread, and cinnamon rolls. Leola loved gardening and could grow anything. Even the "dead" Easter lily sent to the compost bin bloomed the following year! Of all the amazing things Leola gave to those who knew her; the greatest is her love. She will be deeply missed and always remembered with a smile.

Leola wanted to leave everyone with a quote from her mother, "Friendship and family love is a cozy shelter from Life's rain."

Leola is survived by daughters Geneil "L" Bare Warren(Rollie) of Nampa, ID, Drusilla Gail Bare Fullerton (John) of Eureka, CA, Ann Evonne Bare Sutton of Lawton, OK, and Joan Loree Millis Miller (Dick) of Willow Creek, CA, and son Teddy Wilson Bare (Diane) of Shingletown, CA. Her brother Lloyd Delano Mecham (Lois) of Emmett, Id. Her grandchildren Les Darwin Bare (Susan) of Benton, KY, Kristine Elizabeth Warren Grube (Derek) of Nampa, Id, Tyler Blackburn Fullerton of Eureka, CA, Ashley Elizabeth Fullerton of Eureka, CA, Kyle Sutton of Lawton, Ok, Linda Miller Sundberg (Garth) of McKinleyville, CA and Lori Miller Poff (Stan) of Willow Creek, CA. Her great-grandchildren Seth Bronson Bare (Lisa) of Graham, WA, Taylor Jordan Bare of Benton, KY, Nicholas Warren Coachman-Grube and Garrett Edwin Bjorn Grube of Nampa, ID, Randy Sundberg (Sonja) of McKinleyville, CA, Renea Sundberg Reisenger of McKinleyville, CA, Casey Poff (Sarah) of McKinleyville, CA, Cara Poff Battilocchi (Brad) of McKinleyville, CA. Her great-great grandchildren Devon Bare of Greenfield, IN, Phoebe, Isabella, and Ava Sundberg of McKinleyville, CA, Trenton Soderberg and Jack Reisinger of McKinleyville, CA, and Lane and Lily Poff of McKinleyville, CA. Leola leaves many wonderful Nieces and Nephews. A special love goes out to her nephew Mel Woodard of Willow Creek, CA for filling her pantry with homegrown fruit throughout the year. A very special thank you and love to her niece LaReida Williams and her husband Bud for all of the loving daily care and meals. Each basket filled Mom's heart with love.

Leola was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Leroy Mecham, mother Catherine Isabel Wilkerson Mecham. Husband's Woodrow "Woody" Wilson Bare and Thomas "Tom" Walter William Millis. Her sisters Adeline Lenor Mecham Knight (Brownie and Pete), Mary Catherine Mecham, Maggie Viola Mecham Woodard (Lavon), Melna Mary Mecham Morris (Ed). Her brothers Charles LeRoy Mecham (Lillian), Thomas Deforest Mecham, James Albert Mecham (Helen), Christopher Delbert Mecham (Nova Jean), and Warren Moroni Mecham (Florence).

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt Co. for their unconditional support and care at a moment's notice no matter what day or time. A special thank you to Dr. Olsgard and staff for their continued care and support throughout Mother's life.

Services will be held on Monday, July 11, 2011 at 2:00p.m. at Paul's Chaple, 1070 H Street, Arcata Ca. Officiating will be the Reverend Tim Doty of the Arcata Presbyterian Church and Pastor Gary Durbin of Ridgewood Heights Baptist Church. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, 1757 J Street, Arcata, CA 95521. A private family viewing will be held prior to the service.

Arrangements are under Paul's Chapel in Arcata, CA, 707-822-2445.