Marian Joy (Smith) Mills, 90, died peacefully on Feb. 11, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home in Woodbine. She was born on July 13, 1934, to Herrick and Ruth (Moore) Smith of Platte, S.D. She grew up there and graduated from Platte High School in 1952. Marian attended Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, S.D., and after receiving her teaching certificate, taught 3rd grade for four years in South Dakota. She pursued a degree in Christian Education from Huron College. In 1960, Marian moved to Omaha, Neb. where she was employed as Director of Christian Education at the Benson Presbyterian Church for five years. She then moved to Aurora, Colo. and was employed as Director of Christian Education for two years. In 1967, Marian returned to Iowa and on June 10, 1967, was united in marriage to Dwight Mills, whom she met in Omaha. They made their home on the family farm near Woodbine. To this union two daughters were born, Kathleen and Barbara. In 2009, Dwight and Marian moved to their home in Woodbine where they could be close to church and their friends, but she continued to grow her roses.
Marian helped on the farm, raised a garden and canned and froze many fruits and vegetables. It was rare to enter her home and not be greeted with a good home cooked meal or goodies fresh from the oven. Marian enjoyed sewing, crafts, and piecing quilts. Helping the girls with 4H, Girl Scouts and their many school activities kept her very busy. She was active in her church and United Methodist Women, holding many local and district offices. In 1992, she and her husband bought the Woodbine Oil Co. and she did the bookwork. Marian also volunteered at the Harrison County Historical Village and helped when the school children visited the museum. She and Dwight started the Flea Market for Applefest and chaired that committee for about 15 years. They also had their own trailer and set up at various antique and flea markets. She and her husband enjoyed traveling and took many enjoyable trips. For many years they spent the months of January and February in Harlingen, Texas. Marian’s grandchildren were the delight of her life and she enjoyed keeping up with their many activities.
Marian was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Evelyn Daum. She is survived by her husband, Dwight; daughters, Kathleen and her husband Trevor LaCost of Lamar, Colo. and Barbara and her husband John Wynn of Bennington, Neb.; grandchildren, Austin LaCost and his wife Monica, Aaron Wynn, Kaitlyn LaCost, Christian LaCost and Hailey Wynn; and many other relatives and friends.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, at the Woodbine United Methodist Church. Pastor Nikki Ahart presided over the service. The musicians were Nancy Foutch and Jake Mills and the songs were “How Great Thou Art”, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Hymn of Promise”. The honorary pallbearers were Kaitlyn LaCost, Hailey Wynn and Monica LaCost. The pallbearers were Austin LaCost, Aaron Wynn, Christian LaCost, Mark Mills, Dave Mills, Ken Daum and Darrell Daum. Marian’s final resting place is at the Woodbine Cemetery.
Fouts Funeral Home in Woodbine was in charge of arrangements. www.foutsfuneralhome.com
