Ila Joan Mills departed her loving family on April 23, 2022 at the family home in Spanish Fork, UT. She was 77. She will be forever loved and remembered.
Joan was born in Richfield, UT on August 1, 1944 to noble parents, Ila and Joseph Toronto, who taught her the precious truths of life. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joy, precious son Joseph, and granddaughter Sarah. She is survived by her siblings Chris (Judy), Maria (Michael Moody), Elisabeth (Roydon Olsen), and John (Carolyn).
Joan graduated from Spanish Fork High School in 1962 and BYU in 1966. Her degree was in Child Development and Family Relations with an Elementary Education Certificate. She was employed with the Alpine School District where she taught kindergarten for 7 years. She had many choice experiences with her young students.
She married Gordon Everard Mills on April 5, 1973 in the Provo Temple. They had six wonderful children together: Gordon Jr. (Jennifer), Samuel (Julie), Joseph, Ila Anne (Kyle Johnson), John (Jessica), and Nathaniel (Cami).
She was the enabling force behind their mission statement – There will be no empty chairs in the Kingdom of our Father as we come unto Christ and are perfected in Him through obeying His laws, honoring our covenants with Him, and receiving the blessing of exaltation and eternal lives.
She raised her children in a household of faith with love and devotion. They were her life and her greatest accomplishment. If they participated in an event, she was there to support them. She leaves behind 23 grandchildren who loved and adored her with one granddaughter who is with her now in her heavenly home.
Joan was always looking for ways to cheer up the down-hearted and to thoughtfully bless others. She was that light unto the world that burned brightly and reflected her love and devotion to God. She expanded that love to over 300 missionaries as she and her husband presided over the Florida Tallahassee Mission from 1990-1993. Yet, a Mother first, she nurtured her five children who ranged in age of seven to 16 during this three-year-period of time of a cultural change.
She also served in the cub scouting program for over 12 years as several young men began their scouting careers. Figuratively speaking, these were “her boys” and she rejoiced in seeing them grow in faith and fill their priesthood duties. Many young women and primary children whom this master teacher taught will greatly miss her selfless example and kindness.
Mortality’s lessons have been completed and this elect daughter of God has proven faithful. Immortality’s blessings await her.
Funeral services will be held at Spanish Fork South Stake Center, 870 East Canyon Road, at 1:30 p.m. May 7, 2022. A viewing May 6, 2022 will be held at the Walker Mortuary, Spanish Fork, Utah 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Interment at Spanish Fork City Cemetery.
TO ACCESS SERVICE VIA ZOOM, PLEASE VISIT THIS LINK A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO SERVICE AT 1:30 P.M ON SATURDAY, MAY 7, 2022.
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Christy Warby says
April 28, 2022 at 4:24 amI’m sorry to hear of Sister Mills’ passing. I had the privilege of being one of her Beehives. Her kindness and love for everyone was a real inspiration and still influences my life. She was always cheerful and had a great sense of humor. My condolences to her family and friends.
Brother Mills, please know that you are highly regarded and loved by my family. Both you and Sister Mills touched all of our lives.
Charlyn Warner Roberts says
April 28, 2022 at 6:03 amSister Mills had a huge impact in my life. She loved her beehives and we knew it. I’m grateful she was willing to sacrifice her time and talents to help me become the person I am today. Your family is in my prayers. I have no idea this lady has already started her missionary work now.
She is truly one of a kind.
Dennis and Sandra Johnson says
May 2, 2022 at 11:38 pmHow we love Joan! So sorry to hear of her passing. Gordon, you and Joan will always have a special place in our hearts. Sending our love and sympathy to you and your family.
Kim Halladay says
April 28, 2022 at 8:34 pmI remember Joan leading the singing in Sunday school in the Spanish Fork 5th ward. She would put all the word of a verse on a board and then each time we sang it she would remove some of the words. By the time she removed that all we had it learned. She made it so fun! Loved the Toronto family!
Dennis Anway says
May 4, 2022 at 4:02 pmDear Mills Family,
While I am saddened to hear of Sister Mills’ passing, I am extremely blessed to have been able to feel of Sister Mills and President Mills love as one of their missionaries in the Florida Tallahassee Mission. Thank you for serving in the FTM and for your unconditional love and support as a Missionary. I remember the first time meeting President and Sister Mills in the Mission Home. I flew out by myself as I had some health problems in the MTC. Sister Mills was truly the MOM of the mission as she provided the love and assurance that a young missionary needed to feel and hear. I am ever grateful for that experience and the continued love they shared with all of the missionaries in Florida. Thank you again for your love and care. It was truly appreciated. May God continue to bless your family during this time of loss.
Love always,
Dennis Anway (Florida Tallahassee Mission 92-94)
Dave & Jan Peterson says
May 7, 2022 at 10:43 amWe’re sorry for your loss. Our son Scott believes she was the best kindergarten teacher ever and we agree. It is some of the reason she and Gordon got together and we’re glad about that. Remarkable couple and spiritually sound and eternal.
Susan Tuckett says
May 7, 2022 at 10:43 pmThank you so much for live streaming the services for Sister Joan Mills so that we could participate remotely. How we love your family, and it was wonderful to see you all again and hear your beautiful testimonies. Certainly she was proud of each and every one of you! She was the scout leader for two of our boys and she introduced me to rainbow jello, which is now one of our holiday traditions! Elder and Sister Tuckett loved serving in the Tallahassee mission and it changed their lives! We love you!
Paul D Petersen says
January 4, 2023 at 3:29 pmGordon, sorry for your loss. I know she had to be a great lady of the gospel and life because she had a great husband like you. Your old student, now also retired.
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