Ernest L Mills

Ernest L. Mills

Died: December 27, 2020; Sterling

SALEM, Ind. – Ernest Lee Mills, 73, of Salem, IN passed away Sunday December 27, 2020 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling IL.

Ernie was born in Hammond, IN. For years Ernie provided a place for kids to belong, owning roller skating rinks in both Sterling ,IL, and Coal City, IL. He also owned numerous pizza restaurants around the Midwest, winning awards due to his special crust and sauce. Customers were known to talk of how they "think about his pizza every day." He was a long-time Moose member, had a passion for roller skating, was a competition dance skater and really loved karaoke. He was always joking with anyone he met. He will be singing and dancing with the angels.

He is survived by his daughters, Dawn (Tom) Nielsen and Jennifer Nielsen of Sterling, IL; son Dennis Mills; seven grandchildren, Ryan Mills, Kyle Cooper, Ashley Mills, Nichole Nielsen, Alesha Mills, Tori Nielsen, and Jaden Nielsen; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Marcha (Bill) Dills of Wheatfield, IN, Maryland (Bob) Kennedy of Deerpark, TX, Jim Mills of Roam Mountain, TN, Dan Mills and Chuck Mills of Crown Point, IN, Larry Mills of Altamonte Springs, FL, and Bob Mills, Denver, CO, and Dale (Kathy) Mills, Lowell, IN and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a dear friend and longtime skating partner, Judy Wadas.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Martha Mills; wife, Rose Mills; grandson Damion Mills; and sister-in-law, Susan Mills.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Harvest Time Bible Church, with Dalmus Meeks officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Memorials may be sent to Schilling Funeral Home, P.O .Box 592, Sterling, IL 61081 and will be forwarded to the family.

Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com