Betty Mills

In loving memory of Betty Mills, July 29th 1935 – October 20th, 2024

Betty Mills, born Betty Eidson to Inez and George-Ace Eidson, entered the world on July 29, 1935, in Crowder, Mississippi. Betty was born in a very small town where the midwife visited infrequently, which resulted in her not receiving a birth certificate until August 18, 1935. Despite this, she joyfully celebrated her birthday twice each year. As the eldest of seven children, Betty spent much of her early life caring for her siblings; Bessie Juanita, Clara Adelaide, James William (Bud), Ed Ray, Barbara Ann, and Bonnie Ruth. Betty graduated from Crowder High School in 1954, where she not only excelled academically but also served as captain of the women’s basketball team. Her athleticism and leadership were qualities that defined her character. Betty often reminisced on milking her cows every morning and evening until the day of her wedding. It was during a double date that she met her future husband, Keith Mills. The two would go on to marry on April 22, 1954, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

A year after marrying Keith, Betty became a devoted mother to their first child, Linda. Three years later, in 1957, she welcomed her second child, Marlon, and in 1960, she completed her family with the birth of her third and final child, Leshia. Betty poured her energy into raising her children, creating a nurturing environment filled with warmth and love. In the mid-1960s, she earned her LPN, marking the beginning of her fulfilling nursing career. The family later moved to Ruidoso, New Mexico, where they purchased Noisy Water Lodge—a combination of cabins, a restaurant, and a lounge. Betty not only took care of her family but also ran the lodge, taking on every job that needed to be filled. Her dedication and hard work reestablished Noisy Water Lodge as a beloved local getaway. In the late 1970s, Betty returned to school with her daughter Linda to earn their associate degree's in Nursing at Eastern New Mexico University, furthering their shared commitment to healthcare. Betty continued her nursing career at Lincoln County Medical Center but soon transitioned to geriatrics, where she truly found her calling. Over the years, and for the majority of her nursing career, she ran several geriatric care facilities, making a significant impact in the lives of her patients and their families. She led in a way that instilled passion in her employees and as a true nursing leader supported those around her to ensure that their aspirations were supported. Because of her impact she mentored numerous health care professionals into leadership roles and inspired numerous family members to choose nursing as not only their careers but also their ability to make an impact on the health care for older adults.

After the passing of her husband, Keith, and son Marlon Mills, Betty devoted her time to her daughters and their families. She cherished moments with her daughter Linda May and her children, Larry (Amy) May and Kanah (Jason) Lewallen; Marlon’s children, Suede Mills and Sashay Mills; and Leshia and Paul Dunn’s children, Daniel Dunn and Jenny (Justin) Crotts. In her retirement, Betty spent her days in Nashville, TN, living with her daughter Linda. A devoted Christian woman, she loved going to church and, as long as she was able, would get on her knees every night to pray for all those she loved and cared for. She found immense joy in being surrounded by her family, especially her beloved great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren: Brittany Dunn, Hunter Stevens, Mason (Kaylee) May, Jasmine Crotts, Lili Colangelo, Solomon Mills, Memphis Cardone, Miles Cardone, Hazel Lewallen, Oakley Dunn, Chance Dunn, Emmett Lewallen, Walker May, and Waylon Spade. During her time in Nashville, Betty would gather with her friends at the local McDonald's for coffee, every morning. Nothing brought her more happiness than bringing her family together for big meals, showcasing her love through cooking. However, in the later years of her life, Betty faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. She moved into an assisted living facility in Maryville, Tennessee, for a few years before returning to Nashville to live with her daughter Leshia and son-in-law Paul. Eventually, Betty relocated with Leshia and Paul to Columbus, Georgia, where she would spend her final years, surrounded by love and the memories of a life well-lived. Betty went home to the Lord on the morning of October 20, 2024, at the age of 89. Betty's hardworking and loving hands will be laid to rest at 2 PM on November 2, 2024 in Ruidoso, New Mexico. The service is being officiated by Randy Widener and held at First Baptist Church – Ruidoso Downs 26363 US-70, Ruidoso Downs, NM 88346.

In leu of flowers a donation can be made to The Landings employee holiday fund. This is the facility that cared for Betty at the end of her life. They showed her the love and compassion that she deserved after a long life of caring for others.. The donations should go to Deana Barnes who is the marketing director at The Landings and the note should say “for the staff holiday fund in memory of Betty Mills”. VENMO @SweetiePies-1 https://venmo.com/u/SweetiePies-1