"Linda and Ramona...you have my sympathy. I knew your mother through the rural carriers auxillary. She was a gentle lady, fun to visit with. Our monthly meetings continued for many years. It was sad for me when our lives no longer crossed frequently My prayers are with you and your families. Laurel Fantz Anderson ( husband was Bode rural carrier, Fred Fantz)"
In loving memory of
Dona Gene Mills
May 27, 1926 - August 29, 2019
Dona Gene Leone (Stole) Mills was born in Wright County, Iowa, on May 27, 1926. The daughter of Lismore and Carrie (Sampson) Stole. She graduated from Renwick High School.
On June 24, 1947, Dona Gene was united in marriage to Ray Mills in Wright County. Together, they raised their two daughters in Renwick. They loved fixing things. Ray would remodel and Dona Gene would paint or stain and finish the project. They also enjoyed traveling. They owned a home in Belle Vista, Arkansas, for many years, where they loved spending two weeks in the fall and two weeks in the spring.
Dona Gene was a fantastic cook and a great housekeeper. Everything under her roof was done to perfection, from organizing the activities of the home, keeping household records to making certain everything was clean and tidy. She was the consummate homemaker. Dona Gene also enjoyed sewing, gardening, and hand crafts. She was a member of the Hi-Neighbor Club, a long time member of Iowa Rural Letter Carriers Auxillary, and also a member of the United Methodist Church in Renwick where she enjoyed being part of the women's group. In her later years, she took care of her parents, and her husband.
Dona Gene, 93, of Renwick died Thursday at the Clarion Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.
She is survived by her daughters; Linda (Charles) Medlang of Kensett, Ramona "Monie" (Marvin) Nielsen of Renwick; grandchildren, Steven Medlang of Kensett, Michelle Medlang of West Des Moines, Melissa Nielsen of Humboldt, Ryan (Christine) Nielsen of Renwick; great-grandchildren, Carter, Brielle, Brynlie, Shaylee; sister, Lois (Alvin) Berg of St. Anthony, MN; two nieces, Kari (Paul) Huckels, and Kathy (Mark) Hanson; and three nephews, Mack (Rose) Mills, Jim (Kathy) Anderson, David (Sandi) Anderson.
Preceding her in death are her parents; husband, Ray in 2000; and a niece, Mryna Mills.
Tributes
"To a sweet lady we had the pleasure to know later in life. You were quiet, but strong. You welcomed us into your home and family. We will miss your smile and gentleness. Peace be with you. Paul, Alex and Elsa Huckels"
"Al 8/31/2019 Dona Gene was a great, caring sister-in-law. I remember her gardening, wonderful meals, her diary which settled family disagreements. Her laughter at me for picking up an ice cube from the floor and putting it in the Kool-aid pitcher, her shooing Ray out of the garden for accidentally covering her plants while cultivating weeds and doing it herself. Blessed be her memory!"
"We will miss you Dona Gene (Gramma Gene). I will always remember my summertime week visits to stay with the Mills. Seeing your garden, feeding the cats, following cousins Linda and Monie around and Dona Gene making sure to carry on the Stole "eat til it ouches you". Love, Kari"