Spencer E. Mills, 88, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 5:24 a.m. Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at Blair Ridge Health Center of Peru.

On May 16, 1931, Spencer Eli Mills was born in Cass County to Eli and Rosella Westerhouse Mills. When patriotism beckoned Spencer answered the call serving with the United States Army during the Korean War.

In Macy, on Sept.17, 1953, Spencer and Grace L. Floyd were married. They shared 51 years of life’s adventures. From their union came five wonderful children. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

With a passion for agriculture Spencer was a lifelong farmer. He owned a team of Belguim Draft horses and the best tractor ever made, the Farmall model M. He enjoyed raising a small herd of Holsteins, mixed breed pigs and cross-bred beef. He had a special fondness of Dachshunds.

Left to cherish Spencer’s memories are a daughter, Diana Payne and husband Gene of Peru; four sons, Tim Mills of Perrysville, Ohio, Bob Mills of Claypool, Spencer Joe Mills and wife Christy of Estill Fork, Alabama, Tom Mills and wife Debbie of Rochester; nine grandchildren: Andy (Jamie) Mills, Kari (Russell) Roberts, Ryan (Katherine) Wagoner, Eric (Natalie) Wagoner, Mara Swift, Jeremie Payne, Khyle Mills, Levi (Trina) Mills, and Lucas Mills; 17 great-grandchildren: Brea, Macey, Sadie, Hunter, Skylar, Bree, Laylah, Wyatt, Clara, Kenton, Hadley Liam, Maverick, Cooper, Nash; and his loving canine Lucy the Golden Retriever.

Preceding Spencer in death are his parents Eli and Rosella Mills, beloved wife Grace on Aug. 25, 2004, a granddaughter: Lacey Mills, great-granddaughter: Edie Wagoner, four sisters: Lydia, Jennie, Ruby and Mable; and three brothers: Howard, Garfield and Bill.

A celebration of the life of Spencer E. Mills will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 19, will be at his graveside in the Akron Cemetery. Terry Green will officiate. Military Honors will be accorded by the Fulton County Veteran’s honor Guard and the US Army Honors Team.Friends may visit with his family from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, in the Good Family Funeral home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester.

Memorials may be made to The Akron Cemetery Maintenance Fund.