Raydell Ralph Mills

Raydell Ralph Mills, age 94, of Traverse City passed away on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at Joy Givers Senior Living. Ray was born in Detroit on May 22, 1924 to the late Raydell and Cecil (Leighton) Mills, Sr. He married the love of his life Rita Jane Ward on July 7, 1943, in Monroe, Michigan. She preceded him in death on April 30, 2000.

Ray was a 1942 graduate of Cass Tech High School. He honorably served in the United States Army's 95th Infantry during World War II, where he earned a Purple Heart in Dortmund, Germany. Ray spent his career as a photo engraver and moved to Traverse City in 1982, from Darien, IL.

Ray was a member of American Legion Post 35, where he served as finance officer. He belonged to the DAV and the Purple Heart Foundation, and was honored locally as Veteran of the Year. Ray proudly served on the Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780 Honor Guard. When not sharing detailed accounts of his time in the military, Ray enjoyed crossword puzzles and Sudoku.

Ray is survived by four children, Barbara (Dennis) Fedorinchik, Ralph (Peggy) Mills, Linda (John) Stephenson, Lori (Allan) Sanderson and a daughter-in-law, Beverly Mills, all of Traverse City. Also surviving at are thirteen grandchildren, Mark and Jeff Fedorinchik, Ryan (Erin) Fedorinchik, Keith (Sandy) Mills, Kelly (JT) Davis, Caroline (Greg) Haugen, Mike Stephenson, David (Kayla) Mills, Hilary (David) Vachon, Benjamin Mills, Scott Sanderson, Bryan (Karen) Sanderson, and Kathryn (Jacob) Maczynski; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Ray was preceded in death by a son, Richard Mills and a brother, Donald Mills.

A memorial service honoring Ray's life will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse
City, MI 49684. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Army, Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35. Burial of Ray's cremated remains will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to DAV, (Disabled American Veterans) or Joy Givers Senior Living.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Ray's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.