Mary Baker Mills

Mary Darlene Baker,  born May 30, 1918 daughter of Thomas Jefferson Baker and Bessie Alma Baker, sibling to sisters Jean Baker Brown, Dorothy Bandimere, Helen Gould, and brothers Joe Baker and John Baker. Though she never had children of her own; she was the worthy 2^nd mother to Rainbow girls, and all of her Nieces, Nephews, great, and great great an even some great, great, great nieces and nephews. Mary Mills’ view of grief “let it go” and go shopping!

Mary Baker Mills died Monday May 11, 2015 at 11:45a from a severe blood infection, which damaged her heart. Mary was managing a rare blood disorder since 2007 and in December 2013; she injured her back severely, which confined her to home except doctor’s appointments and rare drives to Dairy Queen for chocolate hot fudge Sunday with her niece Renee Baker in their pajamas. Renee, Crystal, Venus, Amber and John G. were by her side at her passing. Aunt Mary was preceded in death by her husband John L. Mills, Brother Joe Baker and three Sisters; Dorothy Bandimere, Jean Brown and Helen Gould. She is survived by her brother John Garnet Baker and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Aunt Mary worked most every day of her life. She was an executive secretary for AT&T full time, in addition to, holding celebration events in her personal life and extra-curricular activities. She retired from AT&T(Western Electric/Alcatel) in 1987 after 47 years. Mary then worked for Pioneers of America for over 10 years, later part-time at the Eastern Star state offices as membership auditor. In 1990 (72 yrs. old at the time), she learned DOS computer language for data input to help the Star office with their membership files. Her instructor stated she would never pass the class, however she proved him wrong by passing with A’s. Out of the goodness in her heart, Aunt Mary did all this while caring for her niece Doreen Bandimere after Doreen’s mother and father’s death 4 years earlier, until just a year or two before Doreen’s death in 2004. Aunt Mary’s favorite time was with Doreen and anytime with her family.

Mary was a member of Miller Street church of Christ but attended other congregations with family on occasion. She was also a member of Eastern Star Arvada Chapter for over 60 years voted in as worthy matron at least four times, a member of Mason’s Beaucent, Pioneers of America, and Rainbow Girls as Worthy Mother. Her generosity, dedication, integrity caliber was uncontested. She is trusted with great tasks, both at home, as well as, at work as an executive secretary. Aunt Mary excels in the commission and administration of Eastern Star Arvada Chapter’s charitable events and social gatherings. Mary had that same dedication to her family and their needs.

Many things may be said about the life she chose and the activities she participated in actively. She loved outdoors, gardening, sports and events outside. Housework was not her thing; she had a talent for and excelled at office administration as secretary for one of the big bosses at AT&T, and she played softball, basketball, bowling and other sports. Mary also won a beauty contest in her early years as the story is told by Brother John.

However, the story heard most often was how she left home at 17, in 1936 to follow her dream. Aunt Mary wanted to be a secretary just like Aunt Ethel Miller Brodbeck (Bessie Alma’s oldest sister). She moved to Denver by herself and attended Parks Business College with her father Jeff Baker’s encouragement and financial support. Mary’s  father connected her with a family to live with in Denver  and in turn she worked as their nanny and did housework while attending college. After graduating from Parks College she held several non-degree type jobs, before her application to be employed as a secretary by Western Electric/AT&T was attained. Shortly after the job at AT&T was acquired, she met and married John Lewis Mills when she was 22. In her career and in her personal activities she won many awards, which held little meaning next to the love of her family.

Gardening, Ice cream socials, attending weddings, graduations of all her nieces and nephews of three generations was her most favorite past time. Traveling to Washington, Oregon, California, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, and many states in the East, driving on the road some distance was not a deterrent to Mary B. Mills. YOU called she came!! Mary was, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, and aunt and any sport player, as a woman her heart and generosity could not be measured by simple earthly awards. Her value to her friends and family was true to the bible version of the Noble woman in Proverbs 31. She will be missed greatly by all of us!!

 “Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all Aunt Mary.”
   Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised! (Proverbs 31)”

Here bible was always by her side; she could quoted scripture often in her activities and gave financial support generously too many of her family and her community.

Proverbs 31:10-31

The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find?
    She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm,
    all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax
    and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships,
    bringing her food from afar.
 She gets up while it is still night;
    she provides food for her family
    and portions for her female servants.
 She considers a field and buys it;
    out of her earnings, she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously;
    her arms are strong for her tasks.
 She sees that her trading is profitable,
    and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff
    and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
 She opens her arms to the poor
    and extends her hands to the needy.
 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
    for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
 She makes coverings for her bed;
    she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
    where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
 She makes linen garments and sells them,
    and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity;
    she can laugh at the days to come.
 She speaks with wisdom,
    and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 She watches over the affairs of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
    her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things,
    but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done,
    and let her works bring her praise at the heavens city gate.

Memorials donations to Mountain States Children’s home in lieu of flowers, she always did and worked their funding campaigns.

Everyone is invited to house to share a meal, fellowship and fun!

Songs:

“Let him have his way with thee.”

“It is well with my soul.”

“There is sunshine in my soul today.”

“It came upon a midnight clear.”

“Beyond this land of parting.”

“God bless you and keep you.”