Garth Allen Mills, Sr.

Garth Allen Mills, Sr. passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on January 15, 2026. Garth was born on March 8, 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona to Harry and Ruth Mills. The youngest of four, he was preceded in death by his parents, two older brothers Garry and Greg, and older sister, Naomi.

Garth grew up in Los Angeles County, California, where he enjoyed surfing and playing water polo. He enlisted in the army at 18 and was stationed in Korea in the early 70’s. After his time in the army, he received a Bachelor’s Degree from Whittier College and moved to the Shenandoah Valley where he got a Master’s Degree from James Madison University and met and married Ann (Budd) Mills. They raised three children, Garth Allen Mills Jr., Daniel Winston Mills, and Molly Payne Mills (Yazman).

Garth was a brilliant and colorful person with many hobbies and interests. He was a prolific vegetable gardener, amateur carpenter, and animal lover. He cared deeply about his family and others and worked in the non profit world at the end of his career. He survived two aortic dissections that drastically changed his life over the last 20 years, but fortunately was able to meet all 5 of his grandchildren. He was a jack of all trades, a phenomenal cook, and loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Ann Mills, his children Garth (Maribeth) Mills Jr., Daniel Mills, and Molly (Ben) Yazman, and grandchildren Grayson Mills, Henry Mills, Madeline Mills, Margot Mills, and Theo Yazman.

There will be a private family service to honor his memory. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Garth’s name to The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank or the Rockingham County SPCA.