Obituary of Frances E. Mills

Frances Eileen Mills Afton, NY Surrounded by family, Frances Eileen (Whitworth) Mills, 83, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, June 29, 2018. Frances was born in Bedford, England on December 22, 1934. She was the daughter of Leslie and Eileen Whitworth. On January 28, 1956 she married Howard Merton Mills of Masonville, NY who preceded her in death on January 22, 2005. Frances was of the generation where marriage, motherhood, and maintenance of a stable, loving home was her entire focus. Husband Howard was career Air Force; this meant multiple reassignments to areas across the world with extended family always at a distance. She rose to the challenges of creating new homes and cultivating connections wherever her family landed; she worked hard to support her husband and her growing children in whatever country or US state they found themselves. And she did this with such a certain flair... Upon Howard's retirement from the military, they settled in Afton and Frances was able to invest herself in her own home. With her children almost grown, she was able to attain her US citizenship- a proud moment for her entire family. A lifelong seamstress, Frances honed these skills to new levels of excellence. She enjoyed her garden and yard work (branches were the enemies), was a voracious reader, and even joined husband Howard traveling across country as he drove a semi-truck from coast to coast--which was, we can all agree on, an act of true love. In Frances' later years she enjoyed lunches and excursions with her many friends. She became a movie buff but especially enjoyed British shows- what she called "a quick trip home." In the last months of her life, Frances stayed closer to her Afton home, enjoying photos and letters from family and friends and spending much of her time keeping a steady eye on any wayward branches or dandelions that had the nerve to mar her impressive lawn. Frances is survived by her brother Mark Whitworth and sister Marilyn and their families, who continue to reside in England. She is also survived by her daughter Lynette and son-in-law Ed Houck III of Oxford, NY; daughter Diane and son-in-law Ron Swenson of Sherman, TX and Masonville NY. Grandchildren, Mark (and Chrystal) Baldwin, Kari Baldwin and fiancé Brooks Ruff, Sierra (and Trevor) Beames, Jonathon Hilz, Sarah (and Adam) Bean, Emily Hilz, Stephen Swenson, Devota (and Michael) Gardner along with four great grandchildren. A graveside service was held Monday, July 2nd at the Glenwood Cemetery in Afton, NY with family and friends in attendance. A small gathering was held afterwards at Frances' home in Afton to celebrate her life and to mourn her loss. Her charm and sass will be terribly missed. Share condolences with her family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.