RuLene Barber Mills

RuLene Barber Mills, 80, of Syracuse, our loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, returned to the loving arms of her Savior on September 3, 2025. She was surrounded by family.

She was born May 23, 1945, to James Rulon Barber and Hazel Elizebeth Doman Barber, the “kid sister” to three brothers. She grew up in Syracuse, Utah, on the family farm.

RuLene attended Syracuse Elementary, North Davis Jr. High, and was in the first graduating class of Clearfield High in 1963. After graduation, she received her cosmetology license from Weber College.

From 1966-1968 she served an 18-month mission in the Toronto, Canada Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There, she made many lifelong friendships.

Upon her return, she worked in Salt Lake City at the Church Distribution Center, where she met a shy, red-headed, return missionary, Leonard Mills. The story was often told that she was the one who asked him out. After a short courtship, they were married on February 14, 1969, in the Salt Lake Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity. In November of that year, they welcomed their first of six children.

As a lifelong resident of Syracuse, living her entire life on the same street, Mom was known for her crocheting, which she taught to her daughters and grandchildren. Many people in her family and community reaped the rewards of this talent by receiving Afghans, canvas church totes, and temple bags. She was also known for her delicate hand at embroidery and cross-stitching.

Mom loved being a stay-at-home mom while also welcoming other children into her home. She loved babysitting, especially newborns, and she would often be found rocking one in her arms. Mom was always at home when we returned home from school, often with cookies or cinnamon rolls, ready to hear about our day. She always left the front porch light on and would often be waiting up when we came home from a date.

We never doubted her love for us. She lived for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and cherished every visit with them.

RuLene was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, faithfully serving in many callings in the church, from primary to young women to Relief Society. She was a member of the Syracuse sixth ward for 48 years.

Mom exemplified Christ-like love to all she met. She loved attending the temple and doing family history work. She was thrilled at the announcement of the Syracuse Temple and had the opportunity to go to the open house.

Raising her family next door to her childhood home, she lovingly took care of her mother, bringing her into our home to care for her. The only time Mom worked outside of the home was when grandma was in an assisted living center, and she would work there a couple of nights a week to help grandma feel more comfortable.

RuLene was preceded in death by her oldest son, Raymond, her parents,

brothers, Verle, Blair, and Sherman.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 56 years, Leonard, five of her children, Bethlene (Brent) Williams; Jay, (Pam) Mills; AnnJillene (Brett) Johanson; Verlene (Gordon) Johnson; and Charles (Nicole) Mills; twenty-three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday September 9th at 11:00 at the Syracuse Bluffs Stake Center, 2339 West 1900 South in Syracuse, Utah.

A viewing will be held at Syracuse Lindquist Mortuary, 869 South 2000 West on Monday September 8, from 6pm to 8pm. In addition a viewing will be held Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 at the church.

Interment, Syracuse Cemetery, 1250 South 1000 West.

Services will be lived-streamed and available the day of service by scrolling to the bottom of RuLene’s obituary, where condolences may also be shared. www.lindquistmortuary.com