Shirley Mills

Age 98, passed away on July 17, at her home in Barstow, where she settled in 1951 with her husband, Harrison A. Mills. Shirley was born on Jun 18, 1921 in Detroit, Michigan, the only child to Joseph A. Cadieux and Bertha I. Cadieux (Ziprick), immigrants from Canada. In 1945 she married Harrison, known as Harry. To escape the Michigan winters and seek new opportunity, she and Harry moved to Santa Monica, California in 1946, and soon thereafter Harry took over a wholesale auto parts business that served as far away as the Mojave Desert. In 1951 Barstow became their permanent home. People were central to Shirley’s life, from raising their two sons to hosting friends and out-of-town guests from as far away as Toronto and New York. She was active in the First United Methodist Church, the Barstow chapter of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization), and various collectors clubs (spoons, swizzle sticks, Depression glass. An expert on famous women honored on commemorative spoons, she gave many lectures at club meetings in Southern California. She was an avid traveler, visiting 17 foreign countries and numerous states. At age 66 she ventured to Alaska by motor home with her friend Lois Behrens. Shirley will be missed by family and friends far and wide. Shirley is survived by her sons Frederick (Fred) of Barstow and Richard (Dick) of Sacramento, California, and numerous relatives and very dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry, and her parents. Cremation has taken place under the care of Mead Mortuary, and Shirley will be buried in Mt. View Memorial Park at a later date. A memorial service will take place at that time, to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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