Ruth D. Mills

CAYUGA | Ruth D. Mills, of Wheat Street, Cayuga, passed away Dec. 3, 2012, at Auburn Nursing Home, after a brief illness. She was born on Sept. 12, 1924, the daughter of Philip and Gertrude Dawson. She was a graduate of Port Byron Central School and spent much of her life in the Port Byron and Montezuma areas before moving to Cayuga in 1964. Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Orville (Bob) Mills and celebrated 61 years of marriage, prior to his death. She is survived by four sons, Robert (Shaye), of Somers, Conn., Roger (Maria), of Auburn, Russell, of Webster and Ralph (Sharon), of Cayuga; eight grandchildren, Zackary, Tyler, Laura, Lisa, Michael, Christopher, Rebecca and Simon; four great-grandchildren, Max, Elliana, Eva and Matthew; her sister and brother-in-law, Agnes and William Carr; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Doris Dawson and several nieces and nephews. She was an avid card player and enjoyed hosting family gatherings that could not end without a few spirited games of pitch and pinochle. She especially liked cooking Saturday lunch when “the boys� would come to discuss the family business and other topics of the day. Grandma's “everything brownies� were always a favorite treat and will be fondly remembered by her family. In retirement, Ruth and Bob spent the winter months as residents of Punta Gorda, Fla. They traveled frequently, visiting many wonderful places with the companionship of Ruth's sister and brother and their spouses. In earlier years, she worked as a home health aide, assisting several elderly families around Cayuga. She was a past member of the Port Byron Methodist Church and current member of the Cayuga Methodist Church. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 7, 2012, at the Audioun Funeral Home, 218 Main St., Port Byron. Calling hours will be from 2 to 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7, with the funeral service to follow. Interment will be in the spring at Pine Hill Cemetery, Throop. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Cayuga Methodist Church or Cayuga Fire Department.