Betty Louise Sheldon Mills, 82

etty Louise Sheldon Mills, was born on Sept. 16, 1931, to Allan Dyer Sheldon and Louise Gertrude Kauffman Sheldon at Sterling Hospital in Sterling, Colo.

Join the family for a memorial service in Betty’s honor at the Bonners Ferry United Methodist Church on July 26, 2014, at 10 a.m.

Betty’s birth preceded those of her three younger siblings: Gerald, Anita, and Dennis. Betty was raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, attending Northside Elementary School and Bonners Ferry High School, class of 1950.

Betty loved school and was active in 4-H, Job’s Daughters, band, Badgerettes and many school productions nd committees.

Betty then went on to attend St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing (1950-1953), where she met her husband, Thomas Warren Mills. Betty said “he was smart and loving and good looking.”

Betty and Tom were married Jan. 1, 1953. In November of that year, Betty and Tom’s first-born daughter, Margaret, entered the world, two months after Betty finished nurse’s training.

In January 1955, Betty and Tom’s second daughter, Joyce, was born, followed by Allan (May 1957), Steven (February 1962), and Thomas (August 1966).

Betty continued working in various positions at various hospitals, including teaching positions, while she raised her children, and even returned for more school at North Idaho College to receive an associate’s degree in science. Also notable from her career, Betty was a part of the community health board that established the Kaniksu Health Clinic.

Betty remained an active member of the Bonners Ferry community during her retirement. She was a prominent member and treasurer of the United Methodist Church and was on the Friends of Head Start board which brought the new Head Start facility to Boundary County. Betty volunteered with Friends of the Restorium, was a 4-H leader in many disciplines, supported the American Legion Auxiliary, and was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Betty loved to work on handicrafts while at home, including crocheting, sewing, cooking, providing handmade gifts, or organizing events. She put her whole soul into everything she did.

Betty lived independently until her unexpected but peaceful passing in her home on the morning of July 5, 2014. She was 82 years old. Betty spent the evening prior enjoying a 4th of July barbecue with friends and family that included her daughter, Margaret, three of her grandchildren, and four of her great-grandchildren.

Betty worked hard to provide for her family and was a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty’s roots in the community were deep and wide and her life will be celebrated by all who knew her.

Betty was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Mills, parents Allan and Louise Sheldon, and her brother Gerald Sheldon.

Betty is survived by siblings Anita and Dennis, five children: Margaret, Joyce, Allan, Steve, and Tom; nine grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.