April 29, 1927 - February 8, 2021
Savannah, Georgia - Grandma's Magnum Opus
Martha Ann Routzong Mills went by many names throughout her 93 years: Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom, and Grandma. Her life's work is measured by the lives she touched. One may assume her life story is somewhat ordinary, but that would mean 1) you clearly didn't know her and 2) she would have already warned you that "assuming" makes an "ass out of u and me." As a musician, music lover, and teacher, the symphony that was her life began on April 29, 1927:
First Movement "MarthAnn"
Born Martha Ann Routzong in Fernandina Beach, Florida on April 29, 1927 to Fred and Alice Routzong, MarthAnn enjoyed roaming the island upon which she knew no stranger. From Broome Street to the beach, she lived knowing nothing but love from her parents, siblings, and friends. However, she was instantly quite fond of one particular local boy, Harold Winston Mills, whom she quickly identified as her soulmate and knew she would marry him in the future.
Second Movement "Red"
After graduating high school, Grandma attended Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida. Grandma's love of music continued to flourish and she took her talents to Florida Southern. A Methodist school, Grandma played the organ at noon each school day which was amplified across campus for all to hear. She enjoyed a typical co-ed life with sorority sisters taking trips across south Florida and soaking up as much sun and life as she could. She was dubbed and known to all on campus as "Red", a nod to her beautiful red hair. While living her college life to the fullest, Red was constantly drawn to return home to see her love, Harold. Once he asked for her hand in marriage, she did not hesitate and promptly returned to Fernandina Beach.
Third Movement "Mom"
Marriage, honeymoon, and newlywed bliss reigned for a few quiet years, then she became "Mom". Mary, Skeeter, Jeff, Kevin, and Tim. Depending on whose perspective you employ, Mom's household was either "Mary and the tribe of Lost Boys" or "Animal House". Mom seemed to never lose her composure despite incidents ranging from accidently discharged firearms, disappearing vehicles, to what may be a still captain-less sailboat still floating in the Atlantic. Mom not only endured the chaos but seemed to thrive on it. She believed in giving her children the latitude to succeed or fail all the while dispensing unconditional love to each--irrespective of the outcome. The results of her methods speak for themselves as each have become loving parents and all trace their parenting acumen to Mom's unconditional love. In addition to the role of raising five kids, Mom somehow found time to lead her church music program as organist and choir director including many years at Epworth United Methodist in Rock Hill. And after the youngest children reached an age of relative self-reliance, Mom returned to college to complete her elementary education degree at Winthrop University and taught in Rock Hill schools until her retirement, including many years at Sunset Park Elementary.
Fourth Movement "Grandma"
Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom truly found her calling combining all her love into the single name of "Grandma". Unconditional love combined with the freedom to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unique experiences that are legendary. From chasing sirens to simply see what happened, hopping on trains with small children, traveling from small town to small town avoiding all interstates and stopping at any and every historical marker passed. While each grandchild and great-grandchild enjoyed equal love and affection, we each have our own special moments, stories, and somewhat special language we communicated with Grandma in. Grandma's communication with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ranged from songs, stories, or sometimes just simply a funny noise or face—all of which we understood exactly what she meant.
As no human is completely perfect, Grandma must have had some faults—we can only think of two:
1.Grandma had a unique ability to justify and rationalize any mistake made by her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. For example, Grandma's response to a grandchild's having a slightly higher BAC level than allowed, "But he passed all the field sobriety tests perfectly—that's focus under pressure—if wasn't for that stupid breathalyzer"—the knowledge that not only did Grandma love you unconditionally but also would always strive to find the positive in any situation gave all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the solace that she was always on their side,
2.We knew we were special. So special, sometimes she would call us by every other child, grandchild, or great-grandchild's name before she got to ours or simply ended the laundry list of names with "Kevin's boy" or "blonde girl".
Finale
Martha Ann, MarthAnn, Red, Mom, and Grandma loved God, her family, nature, and music. The soundtrack to her life is a mixture of crashing surf, birds singing, and children laughing. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are walking hymnals of her songs—all of us together are her Magnum Opus. When all the Mills children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gather together, close your eyes and listen as we are the music of her life.
Coda
In addition to her parents, Grandma was also preceded in death by her husband Harold W. Mills, Sr. - "Pop", and by her siblings, Liston Routzong, Harold "Froggy" Routzong, Dorothy "Dot" Sanders, and Judy Routzong.
Grandma is survived by her daughter and four sons, Mary Hollis (Tommy); Harold "Skeeter" Mills Jr. (Brenda); Jeff Mills (Jeanna); Kevin Mills (Donna); Tim Mills (Sheila). Ten grandchildren, TJ Hollis (Shannon); Joseph Hollis (Meg); Harold Winston Mills III (Stefanie Charles); Anna Mills; Olivia Mills (Cody True); Justin Mills; Cory Mills (Hannah); John Mills (Mary Ann); Lee Mills (Amber); Hannah Mills. Eleven great grandchildren, Greer, Mills, Tucker, Josie, Evelyn, Emmerson, Caroline, Harry, Addy, Ruby, and Emma.
And special thanks to her Grace Lutheran family whom she loved dearly. Peace be with you all.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Music Fund, 426 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Herald from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, 2021.
Savannah, Georgia - Grandma's Magnum Opus
Martha Ann Routzong Mills went by many names throughout her 93 years: Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom, and Grandma. Her life's work is measured by the lives she touched. One may assume her life story is somewhat ordinary, but that would mean 1) you clearly didn't know her and 2) she would have already warned you that "assuming" makes an "ass out of u and me." As a musician, music lover, and teacher, the symphony that was her life began on April 29, 1927:
First Movement "MarthAnn"
Born Martha Ann Routzong in Fernandina Beach, Florida on April 29, 1927 to Fred and Alice Routzong, MarthAnn enjoyed roaming the island upon which she knew no stranger. From Broome Street to the beach, she lived knowing nothing but love from her parents, siblings, and friends. However, she was instantly quite fond of one particular local boy, Harold Winston Mills, whom she quickly identified as her soulmate and knew she would marry him in the future.
Second Movement "Red"
After graduating high school, Grandma attended Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida. Grandma's love of music continued to flourish and she took her talents to Florida Southern. A Methodist school, Grandma played the organ at noon each school day which was amplified across campus for all to hear. She enjoyed a typical co-ed life with sorority sisters taking trips across south Florida and soaking up as much sun and life as she could. She was dubbed and known to all on campus as "Red", a nod to her beautiful red hair. While living her college life to the fullest, Red was constantly drawn to return home to see her love, Harold. Once he asked for her hand in marriage, she did not hesitate and promptly returned to Fernandina Beach.
Third Movement "Mom"
Marriage, honeymoon, and newlywed bliss reigned for a few quiet years, then she became "Mom". Mary, Skeeter, Jeff, Kevin, and Tim. Depending on whose perspective you employ, Mom's household was either "Mary and the tribe of Lost Boys" or "Animal House". Mom seemed to never lose her composure despite incidents ranging from accidently discharged firearms, disappearing vehicles, to what may be a still captain-less sailboat still floating in the Atlantic. Mom not only endured the chaos but seemed to thrive on it. She believed in giving her children the latitude to succeed or fail all the while dispensing unconditional love to each--irrespective of the outcome. The results of her methods speak for themselves as each have become loving parents and all trace their parenting acumen to Mom's unconditional love. In addition to the role of raising five kids, Mom somehow found time to lead her church music program as organist and choir director including many years at Epworth United Methodist in Rock Hill. And after the youngest children reached an age of relative self-reliance, Mom returned to college to complete her elementary education degree at Winthrop University and taught in Rock Hill schools until her retirement, including many years at Sunset Park Elementary.
Fourth Movement "Grandma"
Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom truly found her calling combining all her love into the single name of "Grandma". Unconditional love combined with the freedom to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unique experiences that are legendary. From chasing sirens to simply see what happened, hopping on trains with small children, traveling from small town to small town avoiding all interstates and stopping at any and every historical marker passed. While each grandchild and great-grandchild enjoyed equal love and affection, we each have our own special moments, stories, and somewhat special language we communicated with Grandma in. Grandma's communication with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ranged from songs, stories, or sometimes just simply a funny noise or face—all of which we understood exactly what she meant.
As no human is completely perfect, Grandma must have had some faults—we can only think of two:
1.Grandma had a unique ability to justify and rationalize any mistake made by her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. For example, Grandma's response to a grandchild's having a slightly higher BAC level than allowed, "But he passed all the field sobriety tests perfectly—that's focus under pressure—if wasn't for that stupid breathalyzer"—the knowledge that not only did Grandma love you unconditionally but also would always strive to find the positive in any situation gave all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the solace that she was always on their side,
2.We knew we were special. So special, sometimes she would call us by every other child, grandchild, or great-grandchild's name before she got to ours or simply ended the laundry list of names with "Kevin's boy" or "blonde girl".
Finale
Martha Ann, MarthAnn, Red, Mom, and Grandma loved God, her family, nature, and music. The soundtrack to her life is a mixture of crashing surf, birds singing, and children laughing. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are walking hymnals of her songs—all of us together are her Magnum Opus. When all the Mills children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gather together, close your eyes and listen as we are the music of her life.
Coda
In addition to her parents, Grandma was also preceded in death by her husband Harold W. Mills, Sr. - "Pop", and by her siblings, Liston Routzong, Harold "Froggy" Routzong, Dorothy "Dot" Sanders, and Judy Routzong.
Grandma is survived by her daughter and four sons, Mary Hollis (Tommy); Harold "Skeeter" Mills Jr. (Brenda); Jeff Mills (Jeanna); Kevin Mills (Donna); Tim Mills (Sheila). Ten grandchildren, TJ Hollis (Shannon); Joseph Hollis (Meg); Harold Winston Mills III (Stefanie Charles); Anna Mills; Olivia Mills (Cody True); Justin Mills; Cory Mills (Hannah); John Mills (Mary Ann); Lee Mills (Amber); Hannah Mills. Eleven great grandchildren, Greer, Mills, Tucker, Josie, Evelyn, Emmerson, Caroline, Harry, Addy, Ruby, and Emma.
And special thanks to her Grace Lutheran family whom she loved dearly. Peace be with you all.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Music Fund, 426 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Herald from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, 2021.
April 29, 1927 - February 8, 2021
Savannah, Georgia - Grandma's Magnum Opus
Martha Ann Routzong Mills went by many names throughout her 93 years: Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom, and Grandma. Her life's work is measured by the lives she touched. One may assume her life story is somewhat ordinary, but that would mean 1) you clearly didn't know her and 2) she would have already warned you that "assuming" makes an "ass out of u and me." As a musician, music lover, and teacher, the symphony that was her life began on April 29, 1927:
First Movement "MarthAnn"
Born Martha Ann Routzong in Fernandina Beach, Florida on April 29, 1927 to Fred and Alice Routzong, MarthAnn enjoyed roaming the island upon which she knew no stranger. From Broome Street to the beach, she lived knowing nothing but love from her parents, siblings, and friends. However, she was instantly quite fond of one particular local boy, Harold Winston Mills, whom she quickly identified as her soulmate and knew she would marry him in the future.
Second Movement "Red"
After graduating high school, Grandma attended Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida. Grandma's love of music continued to flourish and she took her talents to Florida Southern. A Methodist school, Grandma played the organ at noon each school day which was amplified across campus for all to hear. She enjoyed a typical co-ed life with sorority sisters taking trips across south Florida and soaking up as much sun and life as she could. She was dubbed and known to all on campus as "Red", a nod to her beautiful red hair. While living her college life to the fullest, Red was constantly drawn to return home to see her love, Harold. Once he asked for her hand in marriage, she did not hesitate and promptly returned to Fernandina Beach.
Third Movement "Mom"
Marriage, honeymoon, and newlywed bliss reigned for a few quiet years, then she became "Mom". Mary, Skeeter, Jeff, Kevin, and Tim. Depending on whose perspective you employ, Mom's household was either "Mary and the tribe of Lost Boys" or "Animal House". Mom seemed to never lose her composure despite incidents ranging from accidently discharged firearms, disappearing vehicles, to what may be a still captain-less sailboat still floating in the Atlantic. Mom not only endured the chaos but seemed to thrive on it. She believed in giving her children the latitude to succeed or fail all the while dispensing unconditional love to each--irrespective of the outcome. The results of her methods speak for themselves as each have become loving parents and all trace their parenting acumen to Mom's unconditional love. In addition to the role of raising five kids, Mom somehow found time to lead her church music program as organist and choir director including many years at Epworth United Methodist in Rock Hill. And after the youngest children reached an age of relative self-reliance, Mom returned to college to complete her elementary education degree at Winthrop University and taught in Rock Hill schools until her retirement, including many years at Sunset Park Elementary.
Fourth Movement "Grandma"
Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom truly found her calling combining all her love into the single name of "Grandma". Unconditional love combined with the freedom to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unique experiences that are legendary. From chasing sirens to simply see what happened, hopping on trains with small children, traveling from small town to small town avoiding all interstates and stopping at any and every historical marker passed. While each grandchild and great-grandchild enjoyed equal love and affection, we each have our own special moments, stories, and somewhat special language we communicated with Grandma in. Grandma's communication with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ranged from songs, stories, or sometimes just simply a funny noise or face—all of which we understood exactly what she meant.
As no human is completely perfect, Grandma must have had some faults—we can only think of two:
1.Grandma had a unique ability to justify and rationalize any mistake made by her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. For example, Grandma's response to a grandchild's having a slightly higher BAC level than allowed, "But he passed all the field sobriety tests perfectly—that's focus under pressure—if wasn't for that stupid breathalyzer"—the knowledge that not only did Grandma love you unconditionally but also would always strive to find the positive in any situation gave all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the solace that she was always on their side,
2.We knew we were special. So special, sometimes she would call us by every other child, grandchild, or great-grandchild's name before she got to ours or simply ended the laundry list of names with "Kevin's boy" or "blonde girl".
Finale
Martha Ann, MarthAnn, Red, Mom, and Grandma loved God, her family, nature, and music. The soundtrack to her life is a mixture of crashing surf, birds singing, and children laughing. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are walking hymnals of her songs—all of us together are her Magnum Opus. When all the Mills children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gather together, close your eyes and listen as we are the music of her life.
Coda
In addition to her parents, Grandma was also preceded in death by her husband Harold W. Mills, Sr. - "Pop", and by her siblings, Liston Routzong, Harold "Froggy" Routzong, Dorothy "Dot" Sanders, and Judy Routzong.
Grandma is survived by her daughter and four sons, Mary Hollis (Tommy); Harold "Skeeter" Mills Jr. (Brenda); Jeff Mills (Jeanna); Kevin Mills (Donna); Tim Mills (Sheila). Ten grandchildren, TJ Hollis (Shannon); Joseph Hollis (Meg); Harold Winston Mills III (Stefanie Charles); Anna Mills; Olivia Mills (Cody True); Justin Mills; Cory Mills (Hannah); John Mills (Mary Ann); Lee Mills (Amber); Hannah Mills. Eleven great grandchildren, Greer, Mills, Tucker, Josie, Evelyn, Emmerson, Caroline, Harry, Addy, Ruby, and Emma.
And special thanks to her Grace Lutheran family whom she loved dearly. Peace be with you all.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Music Fund, 426 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Herald from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, 2021.
Savannah, Georgia - Grandma's Magnum Opus
Martha Ann Routzong Mills went by many names throughout her 93 years: Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom, and Grandma. Her life's work is measured by the lives she touched. One may assume her life story is somewhat ordinary, but that would mean 1) you clearly didn't know her and 2) she would have already warned you that "assuming" makes an "ass out of u and me." As a musician, music lover, and teacher, the symphony that was her life began on April 29, 1927:
First Movement "MarthAnn"
Born Martha Ann Routzong in Fernandina Beach, Florida on April 29, 1927 to Fred and Alice Routzong, MarthAnn enjoyed roaming the island upon which she knew no stranger. From Broome Street to the beach, she lived knowing nothing but love from her parents, siblings, and friends. However, she was instantly quite fond of one particular local boy, Harold Winston Mills, whom she quickly identified as her soulmate and knew she would marry him in the future.
Second Movement "Red"
After graduating high school, Grandma attended Florida Southern in Lakeland, Florida. Grandma's love of music continued to flourish and she took her talents to Florida Southern. A Methodist school, Grandma played the organ at noon each school day which was amplified across campus for all to hear. She enjoyed a typical co-ed life with sorority sisters taking trips across south Florida and soaking up as much sun and life as she could. She was dubbed and known to all on campus as "Red", a nod to her beautiful red hair. While living her college life to the fullest, Red was constantly drawn to return home to see her love, Harold. Once he asked for her hand in marriage, she did not hesitate and promptly returned to Fernandina Beach.
Third Movement "Mom"
Marriage, honeymoon, and newlywed bliss reigned for a few quiet years, then she became "Mom". Mary, Skeeter, Jeff, Kevin, and Tim. Depending on whose perspective you employ, Mom's household was either "Mary and the tribe of Lost Boys" or "Animal House". Mom seemed to never lose her composure despite incidents ranging from accidently discharged firearms, disappearing vehicles, to what may be a still captain-less sailboat still floating in the Atlantic. Mom not only endured the chaos but seemed to thrive on it. She believed in giving her children the latitude to succeed or fail all the while dispensing unconditional love to each--irrespective of the outcome. The results of her methods speak for themselves as each have become loving parents and all trace their parenting acumen to Mom's unconditional love. In addition to the role of raising five kids, Mom somehow found time to lead her church music program as organist and choir director including many years at Epworth United Methodist in Rock Hill. And after the youngest children reached an age of relative self-reliance, Mom returned to college to complete her elementary education degree at Winthrop University and taught in Rock Hill schools until her retirement, including many years at Sunset Park Elementary.
Fourth Movement "Grandma"
Martha Ann/MarthAnn/Red/Mom truly found her calling combining all her love into the single name of "Grandma". Unconditional love combined with the freedom to spoil her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with unique experiences that are legendary. From chasing sirens to simply see what happened, hopping on trains with small children, traveling from small town to small town avoiding all interstates and stopping at any and every historical marker passed. While each grandchild and great-grandchild enjoyed equal love and affection, we each have our own special moments, stories, and somewhat special language we communicated with Grandma in. Grandma's communication with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren ranged from songs, stories, or sometimes just simply a funny noise or face—all of which we understood exactly what she meant.
As no human is completely perfect, Grandma must have had some faults—we can only think of two:
1.Grandma had a unique ability to justify and rationalize any mistake made by her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. For example, Grandma's response to a grandchild's having a slightly higher BAC level than allowed, "But he passed all the field sobriety tests perfectly—that's focus under pressure—if wasn't for that stupid breathalyzer"—the knowledge that not only did Grandma love you unconditionally but also would always strive to find the positive in any situation gave all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the solace that she was always on their side,
2.We knew we were special. So special, sometimes she would call us by every other child, grandchild, or great-grandchild's name before she got to ours or simply ended the laundry list of names with "Kevin's boy" or "blonde girl".
Finale
Martha Ann, MarthAnn, Red, Mom, and Grandma loved God, her family, nature, and music. The soundtrack to her life is a mixture of crashing surf, birds singing, and children laughing. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are walking hymnals of her songs—all of us together are her Magnum Opus. When all the Mills children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren gather together, close your eyes and listen as we are the music of her life.
Coda
In addition to her parents, Grandma was also preceded in death by her husband Harold W. Mills, Sr. - "Pop", and by her siblings, Liston Routzong, Harold "Froggy" Routzong, Dorothy "Dot" Sanders, and Judy Routzong.
Grandma is survived by her daughter and four sons, Mary Hollis (Tommy); Harold "Skeeter" Mills Jr. (Brenda); Jeff Mills (Jeanna); Kevin Mills (Donna); Tim Mills (Sheila). Ten grandchildren, TJ Hollis (Shannon); Joseph Hollis (Meg); Harold Winston Mills III (Stefanie Charles); Anna Mills; Olivia Mills (Cody True); Justin Mills; Cory Mills (Hannah); John Mills (Mary Ann); Lee Mills (Amber); Hannah Mills. Eleven great grandchildren, Greer, Mills, Tucker, Josie, Evelyn, Emmerson, Caroline, Harry, Addy, Ruby, and Emma.
And special thanks to her Grace Lutheran family whom she loved dearly. Peace be with you all.
Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Music Fund, 426 Oakland Ave, Rock Hill, SC 29730.
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in The Herald from Feb. 25 to Feb. 28, 2021.
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