Jane was born in LaGrange, Missouri the youngest of five children of William and Edith Thomas. She left LaGrange to attend Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri where she studied to become a physical therapist. Upon graduation from Cottey College she completed her Physical Therapy degree at the University of Kansas. She moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming where she met her future husband Darrell “Jack” Mills. They were married on March 6, 1953 and had 56 wonderful years together. After a stop in San Bruno, California they settled in Beaverton, Oregon in 1963 and raised their three children; Thomas, Laura and Michael. Jane was a stay at home mom for many years before going back to work as a physical therapist and was an active leader in a Philanthropic Women’s Educational Organization - P.E.O. She lived in the family home until the time of her passing.
Jane was proceeded in death by her husband of 56 years Darrell “Jack” Mills of Beaverton, Oregon, brother Bill Thomas, New Iberia, Louisiana, sisters Mary Lou Ellis, Cincinnati Ohio, Laura Winn and Ruth Voce Phoenix, Arizona.
Jane is survived by her son Thomas Mills, wife Angela and granddaughter Audrey Jane of Portland Oregon; daughter Laura Hawkins and granddaughter Rachel Hawkins of Beaverton, Oregon and Michael Mills, wife Karen of Olathe, Kansas.
Private family service. In place of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the P.E.O. / Cottey College, 1000 W Austin, Office of Advancement & Donations, Nevada, Missouri, 64772 or can be made at the link below.
