Katherine N. "Toots" Mills

Katherine N. "Toots" Mills, age 97, of Monmouth, Illinois passed away at the Monmouth Nursing Home on December 24, 2014 at 8:12 pm. Katherine was born on April 9, 1917 in Monmouth, IL and is the daughter of Edward T. and Kathryn E. (Gavin) Gillen. She was the oldest of 10 children. Katherine was the wife of Stephen A. Mills, one of the best teachers of chemistry, physics, and life who ever lived. They were married on October 6, 1942 in Monmouth, Illinois. Katherine and Steve did not have children buy they were loved and respected by all with whom they came into contact. Katherine and Steve were devoted partners in life. For years, Katherine managed their farm near Greenbush, Illinois, while Steve taught high school in Roseville. Katherine was famous to many for her cooking and baking. She was know for her out of this world strawberry-rhubarb pie. Stephen A. Mills dies on March 13, 1984. After his death, Katherine continued to live in Monmouth. Katherine died on Christmas Eve, having stated a few days earlier that she wanted to see Steve for Christmas. Katherine was always kind and patient with those around her. She never said an unkind word to anyone and had a smile for everyone no matter her circumstances. She was always interested in her family and enjoyed visits from them as well as hearing about all of her nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. She enjoyed listening to sports on the radio and followed the achievements of her nieces, nephews and their children, both is sports and academically. She will be long remembered and greatly missed. Thanks to the generosity of one of Steve's nephews, Steve Mills of Kenosha, Wisconsin, Steve and Katherine were honored in 2012 when the locker room portion of the football facility at Western Illinois University in Macomb was dedicate in their names. Her brothers and sisters are Margaret "Peg" (John) Sullivan, Mary Weber, Lucile Gillen, Frances "Frank" (Ralph) Elliott, Betty (Mike) Hennenfent, William "Bud" (Marian) Gillen, Leroy (Helen) Gillen, Richard "Dick" (Karen) Gillen and George (Mary) Gillen. Lucille, Frances, Betty and George survive her. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Services:A Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Immaculate Conception Church in Monmouth. A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 am prior to the Mass on Friday, January 2, 2015 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Interment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 9:30-11:00 am on the day of the services. A memorial fund has been established for Immaculate Conception School.