MILLS, Ruth

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, Arizona Published Monday, January 28, 2008 May 5, 1923 - Jan. 15. 2008 Ruth Mills passed away Jan. 15, 2008, at Hospice of the Valley in Phoenix, seven days after suffering a stroke during a carotid artery procedure. Ruth was the youngest of eight, born in Detroit to the Herman Ewald family. She was the last surviving sibling. In 1950 she married her husband, Don, a finish carpenter with a fascination for the West. They started to move to Scottsdale in the 1950s but various things got in the way. Ruth and Don were enticed to Lake Havasu by McCulloch Development. After many trips to the City, they moved in 1969. They inspired many of their friends, neighbors and building industry tradesmen to come west with them. In the years prior to leaving Michigan, Ruth was industrious; always contributing to the family resources with her bookkeeping and tax preparing skills. She was a welcome wagon hostess which led to being the district manager for half the state of Michigan�-s Lower Peninsula. During her years in Lake Havasu City, Ruth served the community in many ways. She was elected to the first city council shortly after the city was incorporated. She served as the treasurer for Mt Olive Lutheran Church earning the Olive Leaf award. Together with her husband, Don, they built more than six hundred homes along with churches, and numerous commercial buildings. Her hobbies included twice-weekly bridge games and never missed a Diamondback or Suns game Her family and those who knew her have been truly blessed. Many have been inspired by Ruth's commitment to life, the ethics she lived by and the generosity she showed to her family and the community. She is survived by her daughter, Suandra (Joe) Newberry and son Randal, 5; grandchildren, Jill Vindhurst, of Huntington Beach, Calif., Ted Butkiewicz, of Phoenix, Aron Mills, of Austin, Texas, Trevor and Devon Mills, both of Lake Havasu City and five great grandchildren A Memorial Service will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church near the corner of Acoma and Industrial Blvds. A lunch reception will follow. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Mt Olive Church or the Hospice of choice.