Billie (Martin) Mills

Billie Helen Mills passed away on July 12, 2014 at Lincoln Hospital in Davenport at the age of 75. She was surrounded by family and our Lord Jesus. She was preceded in death by her parents William and Helen Martin and her brother Gale Martin.

Billie was born in Ritzville on October 4, 1938 to William (Laddie) and Helen (Ramm) Martin. She was the only daughter and older sister to Bob Martin, Jim Martin and Gale Martin.

In 1956, she graduated from Odessa High School and married Gary Mills later that year. Gary and Billie raised their four children, Terria, David, Tom, and Darin, 16 miles southwest of Odessa on the family wheat farm.

Billie was baptized, confirmed, married in and attended Christ Lutheran Church in Odessa. She was actively involved with Junior Women's Club, PTA, Christ Lutheran Ladies Aid Society, Corrine's Flower Shop, and spent countless hours at her children's events. After moving off of the family farm in the 1980s, Billie worked at Lincoln County Hospital and the Davenport Retirement Village where she used her love of cooking and hospitality to warm the hearts of the residents.

She was a devout Christian and was actively involved in her Church, Zion Lutheran in Davenport. Billie was also the representative for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans for many years. Sunday services and family gatherings were events she looked forward to and for which she enjoyed bringing goodies for all; especially her Billie rolls!

Billie is survived by her husband Gary Mills of Davenport; her two brothers, Robert (Diane) Martin of Davenport and Jim (Sharon) Martin of Clarkston; her four children, Terria (Gary) Smith of Odessa, David (Kristen) Mills of Liberty Lake, Tom Mills (Marlene Prado) of Spokane, Darin Mills and (Dottie Hansen) of Colorado and Bernadette Mills of Davenport; grandchildren Lauri (Aaron) Reilly, Angela (Greg) Allington, Leslie (Brooks) Lzicar, Christine (Kevin) Veon, Andrew Stangeland, Megan Ferguson, Britt Morrison (Lindsey Green), Bryce (Heather) Morrison, Crystal (AJ) Jennings, Drew Mills, Marie (Clay) Wilken and Justin Mills; great-grandchildren Paige 16, Ashliegh 13, Aiden 10, Andrew 10, Karlee 8, Tyler 6, Evelyn 6, Cole 5, Jacob 5, Layla 4, Kailyn 3, Piper 3, Azlyn 3, Michael 2, Cameron 2, Chloe 1 and Baby Lzicar due in September.

Billie's most cherished moments were spent surrounded by friends and family. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her so much happiness. Billie is also loved by her sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, countless cousins, family members and cherished friends. Memorial services will held at the Zion Lutheran Church in Davenport Thursday, July 17, 2014, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jim Stern officiating. Please sign the online guestbook at http://www.stratefuneralhome.com. Strate Funeral Home, Davenport, is caring for the family.