Barbara Ann Mills

Barbara Ann Mills, 82, of Lakeland, Florida, formerly of Beverly Hills, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2026. She was born May 10, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late George and Emily Mikes.

Barbara was, above all, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was the center of her life. She was deeply cherished by her family, who will forever be grateful for the love, strength, and steady presence she brought to their lives. In 1999, she and her beloved husband of 48 years, James Mills, retired to Florida, where they enjoyed the years they had long looked forward to together.

She leaves behind her three children: Debbie and husband Mike Groff of Lakeland, Florida; Jeff Mills and wife Shelly (Ainsworth) of Powhatan, Virginia; and Michelle and husband Jeff Chayka of Apex, North Carolina.

Barbara was a proud grandmother to Austin Groff and wife Breeanna (Waugh), Zachary Groff and wife Sophie (Cadwallader), Shannon (Mills) Guest and husband Kevin, Jason Mills, Heather Chayka, and Matthew Chayka; and she lovingly welcomed eight bonus grandchildren into her heart: Heather (Groff) Garatty and husband Mike, Chadd Groff, Kelsey (Groff) DiVittorio and husband Zeb, Megan Johnson (Ainsworth) and husband Evan, Maitlyn Howard (Ainsworth) and husband Mack, Mackenzie Valchev (Ainsworth) and husband Alex, and John Michael Ainsworth.

She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Autumn Garatty, Matthew Garatty, Leo Garatty, Ezra DiVittorio, Belle Ainsworth, Mills Guest, Jovie Guest, Jacob Howard, and Emily Groff; and two great-great-grandchildren, Clayton Carpenter and Olivia Barwick. She is further survived by her sister Jacklyn (Mikes) Sebesta; her sister-in-law Sandra (Miller) Mikes; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brothers Raymond Mikes, George Mikes, and her sister Marilyn (Mikes) McMahen.

Barbara will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Jim, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. A private committal service will be held with only her children present. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.