Obituary of Judith Mills

Judith Ann Mills November 17, 1939 – January 5, 2013Judith was born in McHenry, Illinois to Elmer & Helen Louise Montgomery. She lived in California and Washington State during her childhood. Judy graduated from Bellevue High School in 1957. She attended Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon. At Pacific, she was in Kappa Delta sorority and was a member of the service club, the Boxerettes. In 1962 she completed her BA degree in Elementary Ed. at University of Oregon. Her first job as a teacher was at Pleasant Hill Elementary where she taught for two years. In July 1963 Judy married Elvin Mills in Eugene, Oregon. Judy was a stay-at-home mom and returned to teaching as a substitute. In the mid-70’s she developed the kindergarten program at St. Mary School (O’Hara Catholic School) in Eugene. In 1976 Judy started teaching at Laurel Elementary in Junction City, retiring in 2000. Judy and Elvin moved to Salem, Oregon several years ago.Distinctions and volunteer activities included selection for the Kyotaru Fellowship in Japan to study kites; Friends of the Junction City Public Library board; member of the educator’s society, Delta Kappa Gamma; member of the Junction City Education Together Foundation; and Habitat for Humanity. Judy was an active member of her local Catholic churches, including St. Mark and St. Paul in Eugene, St. Helen in Junction City, and Queen of Peace in Salem. Judy was an avid learner. She took classes of all kinds throughout her life. She was devoted to constantly improving the learning experience for each of her students and enriching her children’s lives. Judy and Elvin’s travels often centered on learning: trips to the mid-west to learn about her family history and meet family and their many trips with Elder Hostel. She enjoyed sewing, calligraphy, quilting, embroidery, and collecting Snoopy items. She was a fan of children’s books illustrators and jigsaw puzzles. Her home was always decorated with her handiwork and that of others- anything she considered comforting, lovely, or fun. Judy loved the sound of the ocean waves; the memory of her cherished grandmother, Helen Stevens; chocolate; the satisfaction of creating things with her own hands; and her husband, children, and grandchildren.Judy is survived by her husband, Elvin; her brother Richard Glee Montgomery of Gig Harbor, Washington; her sister Virginia Gay Moi Moi of Ferndale, Washington; her son, Blake Mills of Hillsboro, Oregon; daughters, Kelly Mills and Ramona Murtha, both of Salem, Oregon; five beloved grandchildren: Nicole, Sofia, Lydia, Teyah, and Santiago; twelve brothers- and sisters- in-law; and many nieces and nephews. Remembrances may be made to Catholic Community Services: PO Box 20400, Salem OR 97307 and to the Nature Conservancy: www.nature.org.