Ruth Mills

Ruth Eitelgeorge Patton Mills passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 95.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Patton; her parents, Dr. Benjamin and Loretta Eitelgeorge; and her second husband, Ken Mills. She is survived by her sister, Jeannette Fredregill; nephew Ben Fredregill (Lynn); niece Dominique Fredregill (Blake); cousin Jean Michel and her sons (David, Bob, and Paul); the Mills family; and her close friend and caregiver, Theresa Jones.

Ruth was born on July 27, 1930, in Denver, Colorado, to Dr. Benjamin Eitelgeorge, a Methodist minister, and Loretta Kelley Eitelgeorge, a schoolteacher, artist, and devoted minister's wife. Her early years were spent in New Mexico and Colorado.

A graduate of Cañon City High School, Ruth went on to earn a degree in Theater from the University of Denver in 1952. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Donald Patton, who passed away tragically in 1955. Ruth continued her education at DU, earning a Master's degree in Theater and Television, while also performing leading roles in University productions. She performed in the Denver Post Operas and Central City Operas. She was an integral part of two USO tours-one throughout Europe and another across Asia.

Ruth's professional life included work with the early National Public Television station in Honolulu, Hawaii, and later as a teacher of children's theater in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

In 2005, she married Ken Mills, and together they made their homes in Denver and St. Maries, Idaho, eventually settling in Ogden.

Ruth loved theater, the arts, the outdoors, and had a fondness for cats. She delighted her nieces and nephews by creating imaginative play spaces from simple materials and eagerly joined family in new adventures, whether at bicycle races, concerts, movies, or community events. Ruth was a member of P.E.O. and Pi Beta Phi Sorority.

A devout Methodist, Ruth also sought inspiration and insight from diverse religions. She will be remembered for her musical and theatrical talents, enthusiasm, curiosity, intelligence, feisty spirit, positivity, optimism, kindness, and unwavering love for others.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a theatrical production of your choice in Ruth's memory.