Our family had the pleasure of spending many happy times with Laura. There was always laughter whenever Laura was around and I will always remember Laura's sweet gentle nature. Please accept my family's heartfelt sympathy for your loss.

In about 1973, I had the privilege to meet Ruth Ann. We were in a dental assistant program together. After completion of the program, we still kept in contact, so much so, that Ruth Ann introduced me to my now husband Tom. (Thank you so much for that, Ruthie!!!) When we moved from Knoxville to Minnesota in 1984, we left family and many dear friends, Ruthie among them. We tried to keep in contact, but life happened. Over the years though, we managed to send a note or email to each other, especially at Christmas when sending cards. We were so happy when we learned that Ruthie met and married Les. And then some years later, they became parents to Laura! What a change that was in their lives and a very wonderful change. Although we didn't get to know Laura, through looking at the pictures on the Lynnhurst Chapel web page, it was clear that she, Ruthie and Les were a special family, with love for each other that showed through and through. Such a lovely, lovely smile she had. Ruthie and Les, you are so lucky to have had Laura for a daughter and she was so lucky to have you as Mom and Dad! We will continue to think of and pray for you as time moves on until you are with her again some day! Love you and take care!

During the year I stayed with Ruth Ann and Laura (while Les was still at Ft Bragg), I recall so much laughter and fun even tho both of my 'charges' were in pain.  Ruth Ann, NEVER forget how much Laura loved you...her mother who she loved more that any other person in the world. I felt blessed being able to care for both of you. She always made me feel like I was the one she wanted nearby when she slipped into the seizures and I'll never forget cradling her in my arms during those seizures (to keep her from kicking Ruthie) and whispering everything will be ok.  I'm blessed to have had that extra time with Laura but so sad she suffered throughout that time. Les, Laura was so proud of you and so loved to tell everyone about her Army Dad. Now I can truly say everything will be ok Laura. We will all miss you so much and will always remember you as a bright light in our lives.  Aunt Susan

Dear friends, Les and Ruth Anne, We had the priviledge of meeting Laura only once, but what a lasting impression she made during our brief encounter. When we arrived at your home, the Spirit of the Lord was so very real, we just basked together in His presence.The love Laura had for you both was evident, as she talked about your beginings together in life, and your lives together. Your family life together was something many of us long for, and here it was, so visable. The brief period you had together many do not have in a lifetime. Let your wonderful memories sustain you until you meet again.We know the Lord surrounds you with His love for you both. Although we cannot imagine your sorrow, we continually offer our support, and our daily prayers for you.  in Christs love.
May God keep you in the cleft of His rock and persevere.
Len & Lois Renko
GRFT

Leslie and Ruth Ann,
I was so deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of your precious daughter, Laura.  I know she brought so much light and joy into your lives.  I wish I had gotten to meet her, Les.  As I read what Holt had written, I was so moved as it was the most perfect thing to say.  May the Holy Spirit comfort your hearts and only the beautiful memories remain.
Your ole High School Pal, with much love to you both-
Judy Shelton Davis

I am so sorry for your loss.  Laura was a wonderful person with a big heart.  She would do anything to help a friend and always had a smile on her face.  Please know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers!

So sorry for your loss. Laura was always a very sweet girl. She did have a great smile and I'll always remember that about her.

The morning that you called to tell me about Laura, the first thing that I did was to look at the picture of Laura and David.  You know, the one that was taken in Gatlinburg with David sitting and Laura standing next to him, David dressed as a cowboy and holding a shotgun and Laura in a highnecked western dress and wearing a hat.  The first words that I could think of were, fly free little spirt, David is waiting on you.
One of the hardest things that God ask of us is to bury a beloved child.  But you can count on God to be there for you in the coming days, weeks, and months all you need do is ask him and he will grant you strength.
Know this, Laura nolonger has to deal with the pain that she suffered these last years of her life, God has taken that away from her.  So the next time that you think about her and start to cry, and beleave me you will, remember the good times, the joy that she brought you and that you brought her, and that she suffers no more.  Also, look at her pictures often and remember the good times as that will in itself become a healing balm.
I'll bet that right now, Laura and David are already driving the angels nutty with the same antics that they pulled when they were alive.
With much love, your brother Holt

Dear Leslie and Ruth Ann,    We were so saddened to hear of the loss of your daughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

SSG (ret) Mills and Family, please accept our sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers. -- Lieutenant Colonel Todd Vajner, Debbie, Ryan, and Nate

I am so sorry to all the family.  I have so many fond memories of Laura from high school and church.  God bless her precious spirit and all the family.

Leslie, Ruth Ann, and family,
Hearing about Laura is so hard to comprehend. As we look at all the pictures and realize, that little girl that came into your home wanting so much to be loved, did grow up with a big loving family. She gave you all the challenges a parent seems to go through and you handeled them with love. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of her life and giving us some memories to hold on to. We'll miss her and have peace knowing that she is no longer in pain. Allow God to give you peace and understading at this time of sorrow. We love you and our prayers are with you.  Eddie and Judy Powers

I am truly sorry for your loss. I have very happy memories of Laura from school and know she loved her family very much. She will be greatly missed.

SSG Mills, our thought and prayers are with you during this time.  Love ~ Sandy, Don, Alexa and Cassie Amburn

SSG Mills and family, may the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead.  Your friend ~ Colonel Don Amburn

Dear Family,
So sorry we cannot be there with you at this time.  It is so sad, but now Laura is able to do all of the things she could not do because of her health.  She will always be special to us because she was special.  She tried to keep us all going when we got together and most of the time she did.  Laura will be missed much, but we do have our good memories.  Lots of love and prayers to RA and Leslie.  Thanks for giving Laura such a good family life.  Family was important to Laura and you gave her that.  We will miss her.  With our love, Holt and Annie

SSG Mills, I am deeply sorry for your loss but rejoice that the Lord has raised your daughter as he will all of us. My wife and I will be keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Major John Wells and wife Dr. Janet Wells

On behalf of your friend and all of the Soldiers of the United States Army Reserve 5TH Battalion 108TH Training Regiment, Fort Bragg North Carolina; I wish to extend to you our deepest sympathy and condolences.  Your friend -- Lieutenant Colonel Gregory F. Lester, Battalion Commander.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  Love, Greg, Christine and Athena Lester.


I still can't believe you are gone. I am going to miss you so much and I don't know what I will do without you. You were my beloved friend and I love you very much. I know you are in heaven and are a very special new angel that is watching over us.

Lyndsey Neubert Haynes

OBITUARY

Laura Elizabeth Mills

December 27, 1978 – June 21, 2010

Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home

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