Lela Mills

Lela Holland Mills, 94, passed away at her home on October 9, 2022. She was married to Donald Mills for 52 years and they had 5 children together. While her children were young, she was a homemaker but began working for the Saydel School District at Saylor Center and Cornell Elementary schools as a teacher’s aide and school librarian when all of her children were in school. She was known at Cornell as the “Mitten Lady” because every year as long as she was able, she knitted mittens for the kindergarten classes, as many as 20 pairs or more a year. She never wanted any child to have to go outside in the winter without mittens.

After retirement, Lela and Don made their home in Mesa, Arizona in the winter where they enjoyed golf and playing pool. They loved traveling all over the United States, visiting old friends and family. More than anything, Lela cherished her family and doted on her grandchildren. In her spare time, she quilted and participated in many church activities including bell choir, quilting, and Bible studies.

Lela was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Mills, and sister, Coleen Musick. She is survived by her children Cynthia (d Steven) Litchfield, Thomas (Josie) Mills, Daniel (Tauna) Mills, Polly (Bart) Beauchamp, and Patty Escobedo. She also has 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, on Monday, October 17 from 5:00-7:00 pm. The funeral will be held at Faith Chapel, 7384 NW 16th St., Ankeny, on Tuesday, October 18 at 10:00 am, followed by the graveside service at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

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