Robert George Mills

Bob left his earthly home to be with Jesus in his heavenly home on October 9, 2022.

Bob began his earthly journey on August 26, 1940, when he was born in Spokane, Washington to Harold and Mary Mills. He grew up on the family farm in Rockford, Washington enjoying camaraderie and mischief with his two brothers, Larry and Dan. He spoke fondly of his years in high school where he participated in Future Farmers of America, raising pigs to sell to earn money for the year’s school expenses. He also participated in sports and graduated from Freeman High School in 1958.

After attending Eastern Washington University for two years, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, completing his basic training at Fort Ord and medic training at Fort Sam Houston. He returned from military service and moved to Seattle, working at Boeing for a short time before joining Safeway Stores. Bob worked as a produce manager for Safeway for over 45 years in stores including Burien, Rainier Beach, Lower Queen Anne, and Capitol Hill.

He married his first wife Claire Burdulis in 1964 and they had two children, Steven and Monti. He married his second wife Bonnie in 1971 and they had a daughter, Mary. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in December of 2021.

Bob’s greatest joy was his family. He was so proud of his children’s accomplishments and enjoyed watching his grandsons participate in sports, theater, and music. His children would say of him that he loved and cared for them unconditionally, picking them up after skinned knees and broken hearts.

Bob and his wife Bonnie had many adventures together. Little did Bonnie know how much Bob loved to travel when she married him. In the early years of married life, they tent camped in every western state and later flew away to distant shores enjoying many cultures and peoples. But he had a servant’s heart and never refused a request for his time or resources. He served men at the Union Gospel Mission with his encouragement, building many valued friendships. He also served in the Bible Study Fellowship in the children’s department for many years.

He was preceded in his death by his parents Harold and Mary, sister Allie May and brother Larry Mills. He is survived in death by his wife Bonnie, son Steven Mills (Kathy), daughter Monti (Stephen Blazevich, daughter Mary Mills (Andrew), grandsons Anthony Mills (Elizabeth), Stevie Blazevich, Zackary Blazevich, Ashlin Mills, and Joseph Mills, and brother H. Dan Mills (Alice), sister-in-law Betty Mills and many nieces and nephews.

Remembrances in his name can be made to Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission or Cross and Crown Church in Seattle. Services will be held at Cross and Crown Church on October 22, 2022, at 11:00am with food, fellowship to follow.