Florence Mills

Florence "Flo" “Doodle” Mills a Glendale resident passed away May 15, 2016 in Peoria, AZ at nearly 80 years young. She was born June 13, 1936 of humble beginnings in Ridgley, Tennessee to Vance and Eva Boyer. She is survived by her six children, Rodney Mills, Terry Mills, Sandy Meredith, Steve Mills, Mike Mills and Shelly Mills along with 16 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Florence attend Phoenix Union High School and was a majorette. She worked at the movie theater when she met her husband of 20 years. They spent 8 years moving between Phoenix and Ypsilanti, Michigan where they owned a television repair businesses.

Florence moved to Glendale in 1964 soon afterward she found Al-Anon and credits the program for saving her life. When she heard a group of individuals was forming a shelter, Rainbow Retreat, she offered her services to aid families of alcoholics looking for a safe place to escape family violence. Through Rainbow Services Flo learned that she had the power to make positive changes in her life and the lives of her children.

In recognizing a greater need for services for families of alcoholics on the west side, Florence co-founded and directed Faith House that provides treatment for families of alcoholics and a safe haven for women and children to escape domestic violence.

Florence spent four years traveling between Rainbow Retreat and Faith House and helped thousands of women and children for over 25 years. She was often heard saying the battered woman’s movement is due to the many hands that are never seen working tirelessly behind the scenes to help the victims that live in silence.

Florence lived a simple philosophy in her life, to leave this earth a better place.

Florence will be remembered as an extraordinarily strong woman, with a beautiful giving spirit, great sense of humor and, deep love for family and friends.