Robert Golden Mills

Robert Golden Mills, 87, of Spring Valley passed away at 7:22 PM February 17, 2019 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by his family.  

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be Saturday from 1-3:30 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 916 Monks Ave., Peru. Funeral services will follow with Elder Brian Cherpeske officiating. The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle is assisting the family with arrangements.

Bob was born August 8, 1931 in Spring Valley to Golden and Bertha (Hamm) Mills. He married Sherrie (Harris) Mills on October 1, 2011 at Matthiessen State Park.

As a youth, Bob enjoyed playing racquet ball, tennis, and basketball. He played basketball in Peru until the age of 62. He loved being raised on the family farm near Starved Rock with his eleven siblings and always enjoyed talking about his life and times there.

Bob worked for Prudential Insurance as an Investment Counselor and Agent, retiring after a 30-year tenure. He was an avid gardener known as “The Rose Man” to his neighbors. He gently cared for his 100 brightly colored rose bushes, though black was his favorite color.

Later in life, he lived for his biblical studies and loved preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. He was a member of the Peru Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Bob is survived by his wife Sherrie, along with his brothers Jack Mills of Oglesby, Burdette (Carol) Mills of Granville, Larry (Jackie) Mills of Arvada, CO, and a sister Margie Kreske of Milwaukee, WI. He also leaves behind stepchildren: Lynne (Don) Brown of Las Vegas, NV, Gail (Alex) Christopher of Peoria, Thad (Julie) Harris of Oglesby; step grandchildren: Braden and Noah Christopher; as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Wendell and Edsall; sisters Betty, Phyllis, Marilyn, Eleanor, and Dorothy.

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