Madeline Helene Merrill Mills, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully at LDS Hospital surrounded by her family July 24, 2004. She was 88 years old. Born in Salt Lake City to Albert and Zella Seely Merrill June 16, 1916, she was the fifth of seven children. She married Alanson Soper Mills December 27, 1937 and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple September 8, 1955. Al and Madeline were lifelong sweethearts, enjoying 66 years of togetherness in preparation for eternity. Grandma and Grandpa were inseparable and he will miss her dearly. Madeline was a devoted mother. She loved her children and grandchildren. She was so supportive she attended every family event possible. She valued education and was an avid learner. She worked as a secretary in the University of Utah's Graduate School of Social Work for 16 years. She enjoyed entertaining. She traveled the world. She was an accomplished seamstress and a willing volunteer. She had a passion for genealogy and honored her pioneer ancestors. She was a Daughter of the Utah Pioneers. It is fitting that she left this life on the day we honor them. She loved God and was always grateful for life's blessings. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a deep-felt faith that blessed her life and the lives of her family. She served in many capacities and with Al worked for nine years in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they filled a mission in New York City from 1979 to 1980. She was a great example to everyone around her. Madeline will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Al; their children and spouses, David and Lana Mills, Lynda and Mark Simmons, Kathie and the late David Olsen, Margaret and Ken Petersen, and John and Barbara Mills; 21 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; and countless other family and friends.
Interment will be at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. We love you, Grandma!
Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 7/26/2004.