NITA MILLS

With family and friends by her side, Nita Mills, 93, of Fort Frances, Ontario, passed away in the Palliative Care Unit at La Verendrye Hospital on Sunday, May 26, 2013.
Nita was born on January 1, 1920 in Rabbit Lake, Saskatchewan to the late Fred and Dora Mochulsky.
Nita grew up in the prairies at the beginning of the Great Depression. She was born to Ukrainian immigrants; proud, strong and hardworking people.
At an early age, Nita’s parents stressed the importance of education. Nita, her brother and three sisters were all avid readers and showed a keen interest in education.
True to her parents’ wishes and Ukrainian heritage, Nita worked hard and graduated from high school in North Battleford and attended Normal School in Saskatoon. She was going to be a teacher. Nita began her career at Canyon School in Glaslyn, Saskatchewan teaching grades one through eight in a single room school house. Working at every school in Fort Frances, Nita finished her career at Alexander Mackenzie.
She taught thousands of students over her 38 year career. Former students, even in Nita’s last few days commented, “Mrs. Mills, you were my favorite teacher.” She remembered every one.
The Mills Farm was well known in Fort Frances.
Nita and Jack’s boarding farm encouraged young people to learn about horses, responsibility, to work hard and to have fun. The Mills Farm, at one time, boarded more than 60 horses and one ornery goat. Their garden and flowers were immaculate, corn stocks were six feet high and the ice cold Kool-Aid was enjoyed by all after the last load of hay was piled in the barn.
Nita was a lifelong supporter of Knox United Church and consummate volunteer at Rainycrest.
She was a gifted artist and enjoyed music, bird watching and gardening.
After husband Jack’s passing, a new chapter in Nita’s life began. She left the farm and became a “city lady”. She enjoyed her new home on Kaitlyn Drive, time with family, friends, cards at Sister Kennedy with Maggie and Conrad, the Red Hatters and her beloved quilting.
Each quilt was signed “Made with love by Grandma”.
Of most importance to Nita, her family, she loved her family.
Nita is survived by sister Elona Hepburn of Kelowna, BC; son Terry Mills and wife Sandra of Sidney, BC; daughter Linda Hamilton and husband Bob of Fort Frances; Son in law Conrad Larson; six grandchildren, Corbin Mills of Sidney, BC; Brent Larson (Trish) and Darren Larson (Carla) of Fort Frances; Scott Hamilton (Tara), Todd Hamilton (Jody) and Lindsay Hamilton of Fort Frances; six great grandchildren;
Ben and Nick Larson of Fort Frances; Jack and Lauren Hamilton of Fort Frances; Kali Hamilton of Fort Frances and Avary Towle of Sidney, BC; Sister in law Dorothy Edworthy
of North Battleford, SK; nephew Joe Mills of North Battleford, SK, and many other nieces and nephews.
Nita was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Dora Mochulsky; one brother and two sisters; husband John (Jack) Mills; daughter Lorna Larson and grandchild, Cristin Mills.
Memorial services will be held at Knox United Church in Fort Frances, Friday, May 31st, 2013 at 11:00 am. The memorial service officiate is Rev. Barbara Miller with internment at Riverview Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brent Larson, Darren Larson, Scott Hamilton and Todd Hamilton.
Honourary pallbearers will be Nita’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donations in memory of Nita Mills can be made to the Fort Frances Community Chest, in care of Green Funeral Home
P.O. Box 427 Fort Frances, ON P9A 3M8
On-line condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com