It was a sunny Monday in Victorville, California on September 13, 1954 when Judy Rhea Waymire-Mills was born. She was the ninth child of nine children born to Leo and Bessie Waymire. The Waymire family had migrated from Texas to southern California to find work and raise their large family. They would eventually fmd their way to the Central Valley and the Exeter area where they would make their home. Judy would attend schools in the Exeter area and would graduate from Visalia's Redwood High School, class of 1972.
On September 23, 1972 Judy would become the bride of Charles Mills, and they just recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. They would eventually make their home in the Elderwood area where they would raise their three sons. Judy was known as a great homemaker, business woman, and talented artist. Judy loved to cook, entertain family and friends. It was said that she was able to turn an apple pie into a work of art. Her entire yard was an enchanted garden where she loved to spend time. She was a very talented artist and all that she touched was transformed making it even more beautiful. Judy and Charlie raised oranges and they owned and operated the Horse Corral Pack Station for the past 19 years. They attended the Foothill Church in Elerwood.
Judy passed away at age 63 yrs, Saturday, February 24th in Visalia, with Charlie at her side. She had battled health problems but she insisted that she was ready because she knew where she would be going and she would not allow tears. Judy was very loving and she made everyone feel special. She was loved by family and friends and she will be dearly missed.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Doris Mendenhall and Jo Ann Waymire. She is survived by her husband, Charlie, and their three sons, James (Laura) Mills of San Diego, Jacob (Heather) Mills of Woodlake, and Matthew Mills of Lemon Cove; three brothers, Edward (Barbara) Waymire, of Henderson, NV, David (Shirley) Waymire and James Waymire, Visalia; three sisters, Gloria Jones of Goshen, Anita (Alan) Coday and Priscilla (Keith) Hittson of Exeter; six grandchildren, Kyle, Austin, Megan, Levi, Calib, and Alexandria; two brothers-in-law, David (Nanci) Mills and Brad (Ronda) Mills of Visalia. A multitude of nieces and nephews, and friends; three special sisters in Christ, Ronda Mills, Terri Hacobian and Doris O'Shaughnessy.
A special thank you to the nurses at Kaweah Delta Hospital, 3 south, and the nurses at the Skilled Nursing Center – South Campus.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the Foothill Bible Church in Judy's name.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, March 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Foothill Bible Church in the Elderwood area, located at 37721 Road 200, Woodlake, CA.
Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millerchapel.com.
