Elsie's Obituary
Elsie Ann Mills, 93, of Brookston and Lafayette, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Anthony Healthcare in Lafayette; just two weeks short of her 94th birthday. Elsie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many.
Elsie was born February 15, 1931, in Tippecanoe County to the late James F. Brown and Anna E. (Kockert) Brown Grassmyer. She was united in marriage to John H. Mills, of Round Grove, on August 27, 1949, at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Lafayette. Together, they shared a lifetime of love and partnership.
Before her marriage, Elsie worked at Haywood Tag Company in Lafayette. After marriage, she and her husband worked side by side on their farm in Round Grove. Later, they would move to a farm East of Brookston that Elsie cherished. She was the epitome of a farmer’s wife, working tirelessly, whether driving a tractor, mowing the yard and roadsides, preparing meals for farm help and raising six children with love and devotion.
A true lover of nature, Elsie found peace in her large garden and enjoyed walking outdoors. She and her husband, John, spent many years playing euchre with the “Over the Hill Card Club” of Round Grove, creating cherished memories and friendships. Once their children were grown, they embraced square dancing and continued to find joy together.
A woman of deep devotion, Elsie was an active member of several churches, where she found great joy in her faith and community. She was a member of St. Bridgette’s (Barrydale), St. Joseph’s (Reynolds) and the Cathedral of St Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Lafayette), where her deep faith in love for God were evident. In the 1970’s, she taught her first communion catechism classes at St. Joseph’s, sharing her faith with the next generation.
Elsie dedicated much of her life caring for others, especially her beloved husband, John, who developed Parkinson’s in 2004, and she lovingly cared for him until his passing in 2019. Their enduring partnership was a true testament to her loyalty, love and selflessness.
Elsie is survived by her six children, Marcia Poynter of Fayetteville, GA, Peggy Sabino (Louis) of Nicholasville, KY, Nancy Herbert of Lafayette, Debra Lemming (John) of West Lafayette, John A. Mills (Cindy) of Logansport and Donald H. Mills of Lafayette. She was blessed with 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who filled her life with joy.
Preceding her in death with her parents and husband, John, are two sisters, Betty Gregory and Ruth Wilburn and two beloved children, Infants Margaret Ann and Gary Joseph, who forever remained in her heart.
Elsie’s legacy is one of unconditional love, selflessness and strong faith. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of funeral mass at 11 a.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (1212 South St. Lafayette); Fr. Joshua Janko to officiate. Interment to follow the same day at 2 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery of Oxford.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Cathedral of St. Mary c/o Haiti Fund in honor of mom.
Elsie’s love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her. May she rest in peace.
