Audrey J. Millis

Audrey J. Millis, 82, of Auburn, died Saturday October 26, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Audrey was born June 12, 1937 in Weidman, Michigan. Audrey was a United States Navy veteran and had worked as a dental assistant for the American Red Cross.  She was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church in Waterloo. Survivors include  her sons, Dorne A. Millis II, and Mark A. Millis; daughter, Tammy Millis; a sister, Betty Morrison; grandchildren, Nino (Ginny) Fernando, Matt (Becca) Millis, Amanda (Raul) Gonzalez, Shanna (Jim) Childress, Wendy (Andrew) Smosna and Paul (Jacqueline) Millis; great grandchildren, Raya, Mable, Paisley, James, Issac, Kai, Mariah, Haylee, Harper, Everett, Olivia and Mikey. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dorne   A. “Dick” Millis in 2017. Mass of Christian  Burial will be held 11:00 am Thursday with calling one hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1098 C.R. 39, Waterloo. Calling also will be held Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. Recital of the rosary will be held Wednesday 7:45 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Saint Michael Catholic Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Quiet Knight.

Life Story of Audrey Millis

All who knew Audrey Mills would agree that she was beautiful on the inside and out. A friend of Audrey’s was a friend for life, and when she loved she loved with all her heart. Audrey was deeply devoted to her family, and there was nothing she treasured more than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. A longtime resident of the community she loved, she served others in countless ways and made such a significant impact in the lives of so many. Life will never be the same without Audrey here, but she leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in faith and unconditional love that her family will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

During the 1930s, nearly all Americans struggled to make ends meet as the Great Depression covered our nation and much of the world like a wet blanket throughout the entire decade. Few jobs led to a soaring unemployment rate, and things only became more dire when a crippling drought covered our nation's heartland for nearly two years during this same time. After serving in WW I in the Army, Ernest came home to raise his family and although there were trials, there was much joy in the lives of Ernest and Genevieve (Platt) Putman as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Audrey J. on June 12, 1937, in Weidman, Michigan. One of eight in her family, she and her siblings, Theo, Ernie, Dale, Aven, Rita, Betty, and Bill, were raised in the family home in the Dearborn, Michigan area. Audrey’s parents worked hard at their factory jobs to provide for their children, instilling a strong work ethic within Audrey and their other children.

As a young woman Audrey was eager for all that life had in store. She entered the United States Navy on February 27, 1956. Audrey also finished dental technician “A” school in 1956, and with her schooling complete she went on to be a dental assistant.

Not to be forgotten during this time was Audrey’s introduction to the young man of her dreams. His name was Dorne “Dick” Millis, a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, and they met on military base in Pensacola, Florida. They began dating, and it didn’t take them long to fall in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Audrey and Dick were married on September 1, 1957. Together they welcomed three children including Dorne II, Mark, and Tammy into their hearts and home. Audrey was an amazing mother, and throughout her life her family always came first. She was a military wife for 20 years, and dogs were always an important part of her life. Over the years they had five Boston Terriers, eight Chihuahuas at one time, and their most recent dogs, Tag and Trinket, were very special to both Audrey and her husband. Her family was forever teasing her about downsizing! In 2017, Audrey was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband in January of that year. Together they were so proud of their grandchildren, Nino, Matt, Amanda, Shanna, Wendy, Paul and Samuel and their great-grandchildren, Issac, Hailey, Kai, Mariah, Raya Mabel, James, Olivia, Mikey, Paisley, Harper and Everett. Family was always most important to Audrey, and she was there to support and encourage all her family and friends.

In addition to time spent with her family, Audrey loved so many other things as well. She entered into the Catholic Church on November 18, 2017, when she was baptized and confirmed by Father David Corkenord. One of her favorite things to do was to say the rosary, even after her stroke, and she was a member of Saint Michael Catholic Church in Waterloo. Throughout her life Audrey loved music, gardening, reading, doing crossword puzzles, and collecting elephants. She loved music, and her favorite artists were Peter, Paul and Mary along with Johnny Mathis, Neil Diamond, and Elvis. Among her favorite authors were Louis L’Amour and Janet Evanovich.

A blessing in the lives of so many, Audrey Mills touched others in a way that was all her own. She was strong, kind, and loyal with a selfless spirit that was such an inspiration. Audrey was always there to cheer her friends and loved ones on, and she was also there to catch someone if they fell. It was easy to see that her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and there was nothing she treasured more than being surrounded by their love. Audrey will never be forgotten.

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