Shirley Mills

KEOTA-Shirley May Duncan Mills, age 96, of Keota, died Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
    Shirley was born May 2, 1927, in Columbus Junction, Iowa, to Gerald and Mary (Daniel) Duncan.  She grew up in Washington and graduated from Washington High School before taking one year of cosmetology training.  On August 24, 1952, she married Thomas Bayliss Mills at St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota.  The couple lived in Keota where Shirley worked as a cosmetologist for 42 years, retiring in 1990. Shirley was a member of Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church, the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetology, served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, was active in the Keota Music Boosters and served as President of the Art Club in Washington.  She enjoyed cooking, painting, her flower gardens, hosting Steve and his band mates and decorating birthday cakes.
    Survivors include two children: Debra Mills-Stigers and husband Dan of Washington and Steven Mills and friend Kim Gatliff of Shorewood, Minnesota; four grandchildren; four great grandchildren and sister: Mary Kay Smith of Los Angeles, California.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Tom in 2019; two sons: Michael and Robert Mills; two daughters: Sherri and Angela Mills; one sister: Betty Townsend and one brother: Don Duncan.

    Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 31, 2023, at Holy Trinity Parish - St. Mary Catholic Church in Keota, with Rev. Robert Lathrop officiating.  Burial will be at Keota Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at Powell Funeral Home in Keota, where there will be a vigil service at 5:00 p.m.

    A memorial fund has been established for Keota QRS or Keota Fire Department.  Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is caring for Shirley and her family.  Tributes may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.