Denise Kay Mills
April 07, 2015
Denise Kay (Fritz) Mills, 63, of Lake Panorama passed away April 7, 2015. Denise the wife, mom, sister, grandmother and friend is in the loving arms of our Lord. She was born August 13, 1951 in Defiance, Ohio to John Russell Fritz and Donna V. (Heisler) Fritz. Denise is a 1973 graduate of Bowling Green State University.
She was married July 5, 1975 to Gary Mills in Toledo, Ohio. They have three children together; son, Mark Fitzgerald Mills, daughters, Shaylin Kay (Ryan) Gladson (granddaughter Harper Kay) and Katie Victoria Mills. She is also survived by sisters, Carol Method (Jim Kibler) of Ft. Myers, Florida, Paulette (Bruce) Kay of Dublin, Ohio; brother, Jon (Jackie) Fritz of Toledo, Ohio as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Denise was preceded in death by her parents; and infant sister, Marcia Ann Fritz.
Denise was a member of P.E.O. Sisterhood Chapter B Y and the Red Hat Society. Denise loved her children and rarely missed their many athletic and social activities. Denise enjoyed traveling, reading, playing bridge, tennis, pickle ball, golf, gardening, and scrapbooking. There was a special attraction to animals. She has many dear friends at Lake Panorama as well as the numerous cities she has lived over the years. She has been such an inspiration to so many while battling ovarian cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 13, 2015 at 11:00 am at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation begins at 10:00 am.
Memorials are requested to be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Standup 2 Cancer or The American Cancer Society. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mark Baumgarten
04/24/2015
Gary; sorry for your loss.
God Bless
Ann (Gough) Sullivan
04/19/2015
I was sorry to hear of Denise. I wish there were words that could help easy your pain but there really aren't. Just know you are in so many people's thoughts and prayers including mine.
Pamela Schwieger Ausman
04/17/2015
Gary and family, I just read about your loss tonight and wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. I met Denise at one reunion and what a beautiful person she was! I do pray that the days ahead are filled with special memories that you will always cherish.
Pete and Mary Anderson
04/14/2015
Gary and Family, We are so sorry for your loss. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. God speed to all of you.
Karen Dole
04/14/2015
Gary and Family, I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Chris White-Rozendaal
04/12/2015
Gary and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know her, but last summer you spoke of her so highly that I know she had to have been a very special person, wife, and mother. You all are in my prayers.
Kowachek
04/12/2015
Gary, Mark, Shaylin and Katie -
Alex, Dana and I send our heartfelt sympathy to you on the recent passing of Denise. She has been an inspiration to many in the manor she fought her courageous battle against cancer. Dana and I are glad we were able to visit with Denise while in Arizona last month. As always Denise carried herself with personal warmth, grace and strength. Best Regards, Ed, Alex and Dana
Cathy Simpkins
04/11/2015
Katie - I happened to see your mom's obituary in the paper today and wanted to say how sorry I am for your loss. My mom died at 62 from cancer - wishing you God's peace in the day's ahead. (we played a USTA match in Ames a few weeks ago).
Julie Fritz-Bergman and Jerry Bergman
04/11/2015
Denise had a wonderful smile and great spirit. :-) We share our prayers with you for great memories, and for times of God's peace. You will have lots to laugh about in the months ahead "in remembrance of her."
Murray and Kathy Madsen
04/10/2015
Gary and Family - We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in memories of a life well lived and a love she so willingly showed and shared. You are in our prayers during this difficult time.
Jevne Kloeber
04/10/2015
So sorry to hear of Denise's death. She was so special. Will always remember her for her great leadership with the Girl Scouts and so fun to be with on the soccer sidelines at the girls' soccer games. I know you will miss her terribly but you have wonderful memories to hold on to.
Kris & Tim Goodman
04/10/2015
Gary & Family, so sorry to hear about Denise. I know she fought the good fight & is in heaven with her parents. I hope the memories of her will ease the pain of your loss & help comfort you in the days & weeks to come. With love & prayers, Kris & Tim Goodman
Joe Hager
04/10/2015
Gary,
So sorry to hear about Denise - she will certainly be missed by all that knew her.
It's been many years but I can still remember her smiling face, huge loving heart and great attitude - those memories will always be with you and your family.
Please let me know when you are in Minneapolis so we can meet and catch up.
Joe Hager
Amanda Robinson-Driscoll
04/09/2015
Gary and Family - I'm so sad to hear of Denise's passing. My heart goes out to all of you because I know what a great loss this is. Denise was such a wonderful person and friend and I'm so blessed to have known her. I pray for your comfort and strength as you continue this life without her. Thankfully, we can cling to the promise that we will meet her again one day, Hugs to you all. Amanda
Mike and Julie O'Shaughnessy
04/09/2015
Gary and Kids, our hearts are breaking for you. We were so sad to get your news. I will always remember a lot of good laughs when your mom was around. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.