Larry Joe Mills

In October 1963 he joined the Army National Guard and became a member of the 1st BN, 303D Armor with Honorable Discharge in 1969. Larry was an active member of the Union Gap Junior Chamber of Commerce and a long-time volunteer fireman.

Larry is a third generation Meat Cutter, like his father and grandfather before him, retiring from Safeway in 2003. He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed the beauty of nature.

Larry's parents moved the family to Yakima in 1948, where they remain today. In 1966 he married Carolyne Stacy and had his only child, son Mannington (Mannie) Mills born in 1969. He also helped raise Carolyne's two older children, Paul and Victoria (Vicki). 1975 brought two more children into Larry's life, Tina and Jerry Merritt, and he helped raise them to adulthood.

In 1995 Larry married his present wife Florence, with whom he shared his life until passing. With marriage to Florence, he was also step-father to Florence's 3 children. Larry and Florence stayed very active with their many travels, family and friends.

Larry held his values close with a generous and giving heart. He was loved by all that knew him over the years. His family and friends were all very special to him.

Larry is survived by his wife Florence Mills, parents Kenneth and Ella Belle Mills, sister Leanna Conrad, son Mannie Mills, and step-children Paul Mills, Vicki Gadeberg, Tina Merritt-Mills, Jerry Merritt, Sherre Reft, Robert Hendershott and Debra Benson. He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Larry is a member of the United Christian Church. A Memorial Service will be held at the church located at 317 S. 41st Street, Yakima, WA at 11:00 am on March 24, 2012.