Joan Virginia Mills

Joan Virginia Mills, 90, of Mason, Michigan, died on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, from complications of dementia after suffering a broken hip. Joan was born on May 9, 1934 in Owosso, Michigan to Frederick and Louise (Hodge) Kane.

A loving mother, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Frank E. Mills III, on April 5, 1994.

Frank and Joan met at the famed Edgewood Gardens dance hall in Corunna and were married in Bancroft on Oct. 5, 1958.

Joan was a lifelong nurturer and caregiver beginning as the second-oldest of seven children. She took her elder brother Eugene, who lived with special challenges, under her wing early and continued with her younger siblings, children and grandchildren.

Joan had worked for the state in what was then the special education department and later as a secretary at Mason High School. She was an avid reader, introduced her children and grandchildren to museums, books and learning, and lived her life as exemplified by her faith.

Survivors include her sons, Frederick (Laura) Mills of Mt. Pleasant, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Mills and John (Stacy) Mills, all of Mason. Also surviving are grandchildren, Josh Mills, Bethany Griffin, Sam Mills, Ryan Mills, Zachary Mills, Sean Mills, Seth Mills and Carter Mills; 10 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Dale Kane, Rita Sinn, Ruth Placeway, Fred Kane; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service is 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 at Mason First United Methodist Church, 201 E. Ash, where she worshipped for 50 years. The family will receive friends from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery.

Contributions in Joan's memory may be made to Stoneleigh Residence (Hospice of Lansing), 3411 Stoneleigh Residence, Lansing, Mich. 48910, https://hospiceoflansing.org/.