Doris T. Mills' Obituary
Decatur—Doris Thomeczek Mills, 93, of Decatur passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at her home in Keystone Gardens.
Doris was born December 18, 1920 in Syracuse, Kansas the daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Roth) Thomeczek. At age 16 she graduated from high school and moved to Saint Louis, MO. to attend Washington University and Saint John’s Hospital School of Nursing. She was very proud of being a nurse and often said being a nurse is a God-given privilege for which she was always grateful. During her 37-year nursing career she worked in a variety of settings from ICU to school nursing.
On June 20, 1941, she married her “sweetheart” George Mortland in Lubbock, TX. He preceded her in death on October 4, 1969. She then married John Mills on October 9, 1974. He also preceded her in death.Doris left her Saint Louis home and her “beloved Cardinals” 12 years ago to move to Keystone Gardens in Decatur to be closer to her family. She enjoyed her years at Keystone and regarded all the residents and staff as “her family.”
Doris is survived by her daughter, Carol Mortland Wood, (partner) Carol Dixon of Decatur, grandchildren Matthew Wood (Pam), Kristin Taylor and Andrew,Wood (Kristin) great-grandchildren Taylor Wood, Sierra Taylor, Collin Wood, Mariah Wood, Carson Taylor, Makenna Powell and Jayden Wood.
Doris donated her body to Saint Louis University Medical School in the hope of helping future doctors and nurses to further their education. Per her request, there will not be a memorial service. Many times she declared her life to be full, special and blessed. If desired a gift in her memory may be made to the Macon County Animal Shelter, 2820 East Parkway Drive, Decatur, IL or the Decatur YMCA, 220 W. McKinley, Decatur, IL 62526.
Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Keystone Gardens whom Doris loved like family, her next door neighbor Keith who was like a brother, Jane Piraino, NP and Drs. Stephen Goetter, Keith Smith and Manohar Kola.
Mom, we will all miss you so much as you enriched our lives beyond measure. We are so grateful to have had you for 93 years but know it is time now for you to be reunited with your “sweetheart” and just dance.
The family of Doris Mills is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, IL. View the online obituary and send condolences to the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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