Dorothy Pauline Mills

Dorothy Pauline (Brunell) Mills, age 64, of Rexton, Michigan, died on November 4, 2025. She was born on March 11, 1961, in Gibraltar, Michigan, to Russell and Kay (Gerow) Brunell.
Dorothy grew up in Newport, Michigan, and graduated from Jefferson High School. After graduation, she worked as a CNA at IHM Nursing Home for five years before beginning a new career in construction. She worked for Lonzo and Doc Crew for more than twelve years before retiring in 2004. Dorothy met Arthur Elgen Mills while applying for a flagging job, and the two were later married on May 10, 1998. Together, they moved to Rexton, Michigan, where they built their forever home. Never one to stay still for long, Dorothy later returned to work for Sand Products by the Cut River Bridge, where she enjoyed three more years of hard work and camaraderie.
Dorothy was a proud member of Union #324 and served her community as part of the Election Poll Committee. She loved volunteering and was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.
An outdoors enthusiast, Dorothy found joy in horseback riding, snowmobiling, caring for her chickens and animals, raking leaves, burning brush, and hunting. When she wasn't outside, she enjoyed knitting and cross-stitching and adored spending time with her three beloved cats.
Dorothy is survived by her husband, Art; daughters, Lacey (Alan Denton) Mills of Newport, Michigan, and Mary (Adam) Hastings of Monroe, Michigan; son, Jim (Laura) Mills of Washington; and daughters, Dawn (Jim) LaBello of Key West, Florida, and Annie (Jeff Foshag) Mills of Ida, Michigan; fifteen grandkids; and many great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Russel and Kay; and brother, Don Brunell.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at The Mills Residence, 8073 Hurd Rd. Naubinway, MI 49762, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 1:00 pm.
Burial will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Rexton, Michigan.
Family Life Funeral Homes – St. Ignace assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.