Elizabeth E. “Beth” Mills, 88, Silver Lake, Indiana, passed away August 19, 2021 at her home. The
last living child of Allen Dayton and Dezzie Ezell (Howard) Whitley, Beth was born in Crowell,
Texas on December 16, 1932.
On April 28, 1968 Beth married her best friend and the love of her life, Lawrence E. “Larry” Mills.
The two spent a wonderful and happy life together. Beth was extremely proud of Larry serving in the
United States Marines, and she worked the impossible job of being a military wife. Beth and Larry
loved to attend Mass at different Catholic churches, where they were members. On February 6, 2014,
however, Beth lost a piece of herself when Larry died. After his death, Beth found comfort in her
dogs, Lillie and Dillie, and her cat, Bella.
As a strong, independent woman, Beth relied on herself for most things. However, in the past ten
years, her battle with cancer and other problems became taxing. She was grateful for her friends in
Silver Lake who helped her along the way.
The loving memory of Elizabeth E. Mills will forever be cherished by her son, Robert Lynn (Charlotte
Ann) Simmons, Lovington, New Mexico; daughter, Judy E. Morris, Tatum, New Mexico; seven
grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and friends she made over the
years. Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Dezzie Whitley; husband, Larry Mills;
brothers, J.D., Clark, Joe Whitley and Gary Ray Gardenhire; sisters, Clara Parson and Hazel
Gardenhire.
A graveside service at Marion National Cemetery, 1700 East 38th Street, Marion, Indiana, will be held
at a later date.
For those who wish to honor the memory of Elizabeth E. Mills, memorial contributions may be made
to the Wounded Warrior Project, 7020 A.C. Skinner Parkway, Suite 100, Jacksonville, Florida 32256.
The family of Beth Mills has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.