Betty Ann Mills, 84

Betty Mills, born Feb. 26, 1939, to Donald and Marie Somers in Kalispell, Mont., passed away peacefully surrounded by family April 4 in Coeur d’Alene. Survived by her husband of 65 years, Ronald K. Mills, daughter Dina (Paul) Hourlland, two sisters, Hazel and Dianne, one brother, Joe, four grandchildren, Lacie, Kylee, Mikinzie and Samuel, six great-grandchildren Maiah, Kinley, Decker, Ronan, Leo and Orion, one great-great grandson (born on her 84th birthday), Jaxon, many nieces and nephews and her best best friend of 70 years, Audrey Carter. She is predeceased by her son, Ronnie.

Betty graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1957 and attended NIC for her teaching degree. She worked at KMC for 32 years running the printing department, giving tours, clowning and directing the Safe Sitter program, but her true passion was being the coordinator for the candy-stripers. Many of the teens that volunteered under her attribute their careers in the medical field to her teachings.

Betty was truly a bright light in the lives of everyone she came in contact with and will be missed by the many lives she touched. The love and kindness she radiated was like nothing you’ve ever experienced; she really was the most spectacular woman. If there was a good prank to be played you could bet that Betty was behind it. She found great joy in reading, a good conversation and learning new things. She had never met a stranger, everyone was a friend. She was the greatest wife, mother and grandmother — even to those not related to her.

Per Betty’s request there will be no service held at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to Kootenai Humane Society in her name.

Visit Betty's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.