Erlene Mills

Erlene Strauser Mills, 89, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2017 in Marion.  She was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado on September 27, 1928 where she lived the first 7 years of her life, the second daughter of the late Earl and Golda (Smith) Strauser.
Her growing up years were spent in Waterloo, lowa, graduating from West High School in 1946. Erlene worked for the phone company in Waterloo, then met and married R.J. "Bud" Mills in 1950. During their 55-year marriage, they relocated to California, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri while raising their family, moving approximately 16 times due to Bud's career with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. They moved back to Indianapolis in 1982, putting her closer in proximity to her daughters, and giving her the opportunity to enjoy her grandchildren as they grew to adults. Erlene was an expert at making a house into a home and involving herself in community activities while she pursued her many creative talents. She loved to paint as well as make pottery on her potter's wheel and fire the pieces in her kiln. Erlene created beautiful stained-glass pieces and was also a wonderful seamstress.  Her family is blessed by the variety of art they now have in their homes that will continue to remind them of her. Erlene was a devoted Christian and made sure she found a church home for her family each time they relocated. She lived out her faith as a humble person, always putting others first doing so many things for people without ever calling attention to her acts of good will. Her warm, friendly, encouraging spirit was a magnet to others creating lasting friendships throughout the Midwest. 
Erlene is survived by her daughters, Debbie Dailey (Tim) of Marion, Pam Sechrist (Ken) of lndianapolis, and Tina Gartland (Thom) of Phoenix, AZ; seven grandchildren, T.J. Dailey (Tara) of Westfield, Trent Dailey (Angel) of Marion, Todd Dailey (Jenna) of Westfield, Abbe Bedel (Evan) of lndianapolis, Nathaniel Sechrist (Melissa) of Carmel, Ashley Medlock (Chris) of lndianapolis, and Molly Gartland of Washington DC; and 12 great-grandchildren.  Her husband, Bud, preceded her in death in 2006.
Visitation will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church, 20650 Cumberland Road in Noblesville on Friday, October 6, 2017 from 10:00 to 11:00 am, with Funeral Services immediately following. Burial will be at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis.  Randall & Roberts Funeral Homes in Noblesville has been entrusted with Erlene's care.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Salvation Army by going to http://www.sawmni.org/wmni/monetary-donations