Mrs. Lynne Ann Vales

Lynne Ann (Mills) Vales passed away November 26, 2019, holding the hand of her beloved husband of 55 years, Bob. Lynne was born on May 4, 1942 to Thomas and Vivian (Boyer) Mills in Portland, Oregon. Lynne graduated from Del Norte High School in 1960, where she played basketball, enjoyed cheerleading and attended homecoming with her future husband. Encouraged by her mother, who sent her what little money she could each month, Lynne was the first member of her family to graduate college and holds the distinct accomplishment of attending four different schools—Lewis & Clark, Humboldt State, UC Santa Barbara, and finally Sacramento State—and still graduating in four years, with a degree in education in 1964. She went on to earn a Master’s from San Diego State University.

A lifelong educator and literacy advocate, Lynne loved music and played piano throughout her life, often bringing music to the schools where she taught. Lynne retired in 1997 as Vice Principal of Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside, California. Retirement provided her with the opportunity to travel, including her lifelong dream road trip across the United Kingdom. In 2014, Lynne celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family in Maui.

Lynne is survived by her husband Robert, sons Scott and Larry, daughter in-law Leticia, and three grandchildren, Scott Jr., Frank, and Vivian. She was preceded in death by her older brother Larry (1952).

In lieu of flowers, well wishers are welcome to donate to the George G. Glenner Alzheimer’s Family Centers. Glenner was of great support to Lynne and her family in her final years.