MARY ESTHER MILLS

Mary Esther Mills passed away at The Country Rest Home in Greenwood, Delaware, on Friday, April 1, 2022.

Mary Esther was born October 3, 1925, to Esther Allen Moore and Charles Dail Moore in Seaford, Delaware.  She was the lively girl in the midst of her four brothers: Parker, Philip, Frank and Burton, all who predeceased her.

She graduated from Seaford High School in 1943, then attended the University of Delaware, completing her B.A. in Art in 3 years. Always eager to learn, Mary Esther attended Columbia University in NYC for more art studies during the summer of 1950, so she handed her future husband, Louis Mills, the responsibility of planning their wedding! They married at All Saints Episcopal Church in Rehoboth, Delaware, on August 19, 1950 and celebrated at a reception at The Bottle & Cork. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage until he passed away in 1991.

They were proud parents of five children: Cindy Turner of Elkton, MD, Carol Ritz-deceased, (Michael) of Elkton, MD, John Mills (Joan), Melinda Mills and Melissa Mills, all of Greenwood, DE. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Garrett (Jess) Ritz, Nathan (Pan) Ritz, Kelly (Lee) Sverduk, Andrew (Felicia) Mills, Matt (Sarah Hamlin) Hastings, and Jason (Ambr) Turner. She had eleven great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Mary was a lover of books, crossword puzzles, art, and spontaneous family parties on her porch. She had a rich vocabulary, adorned with French phrases and unusual adjectives. Energetic, she taught art to all ages of school students for over 20 years, balancing it with her roles as a dairy farmer’s wife and mom to five kids. After retirement, she enthusiastically shared her time and gifts with her grandchildren, her Bible study ladies, the Life-long Learning Center in Lewes, and later, the Widowed Persons Support Group. She was always ready for a family vacation at Bethany Beach or a trip with friends.  She had been an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Seaford and served on the Altar Guild. Later, she attended St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Harrington, DE.

She will be remembered for her zest for life, her unconditional love for her family and her solid faith. “Au revoir, je t’aime.  

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Harrington, Delaware, or to your favorite charity.

Viewing will be Thursday, April 14 2022, at 10 am followed by the service at 11 am at Cranston Funeral Home, Seaford Delaware. Burial at St. Johnstown Cemetery, Greenwood, Delaware.

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