George Ellis "Bud" Mills

June 21, 1927 to July 29, 2015

Born and lived in Lansing, Michigan his entire life.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Joann E. (Border), his parents Fred and Mabel (Berridge), and two brothers Fred (Helen) and Jerry Mills.

He is survived by brother Ray (Phyllis) Mills; sister Linda (Gordon) Hassler; sister-in-law, Patti; his children, Michael (Marsha) of Port Huron, Douglas (Kristen) of Alexandria, VA, and daughter Cindy (Raymond) Rubio of Grand Ledge; 7 grandchildren: Melissa MacQueen-Smith (Mills), Lindsey (Victor) Hamburger, Kirsten Mills, Lacey (Matthew) Horner, Briana (Tommy) Burk, Selena Rubio (Justin Bliesener), Cody Rubio; 8 great-grandchildren: Ian MacQueen, Meredith Smith, Isabel Edgar, Henrik Hamburger, Chase Horner, Sam Burk, Riley Horner and Brantley Bliesener (due 9/2015); and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

Bud graduated from JW Sexton High School in the Class of 1945. He was drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers of MLB, but instead served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the occupation of Japan. He married Joann E. (Border) in 1948.

He served for 12 years as an East Lansing Firefighter while apprenticing to become a Landscape Architect (LA). After achieving his L.A. license he was a Principle in the firm of Grables, Mills & Young for over 40 years. His major professional achievements included the national Award Winning Manistee Marina, the Master Plans of Saginaw Valley State University, Central Michigan University, Corona High School including their athletic complex, and the State of Michigan Secondary Complex.

His civic activities included many years as a member of the Downtown Lansing Exchange Club including two terms as President. He served on the Lansing Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors for 20 years and was its Chairman for the concept and development of the current Lansing Convention Center.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church of Holt. Visitation is Thursday, July 30 from 6-9 p.m. at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel and beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at the Church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Holt Memorial Garden.

To view the entire obituary or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.EstesLeadley.com

Print Obituary

10 Messages to “George Ellis "Bud" Mills

Print Messages
Joanie Mills
July 29, 2015 at 6:23 pm

Dad, I will always remember the kindness and laughter you brought to my life for so many years.I am so glad you get to join Nannie now in heaven where you will be eternally young and healthy.love to you both!

Reply
Meredith Miller
July 30, 2015 at 4:06 am

My deepest sympathy is with the Mills family. I am so sorry for your loss.

Reply
Dave and Deb Jackson
July 30, 2015 at 8:05 am

Thoughts and prayers for the Mills Family. Always a nice man and a hard working role model for the neighborhood kids. You should feel proud to have had him as your Dad. Love, Dave and Deb.

Reply
Sylvia Hernandez
July 30, 2015 at 1:40 pm

I am so sorry for your loss. I will pray for your entire family and ask our Mighty Father to bring comfort to your hearts as you go through this most difficult times. I am so glad that you got to spend quality time with your daddy. Love You my friend.

Reply
Vicki Reid
July 30, 2015 at 6:48 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God has another Angel in heaven and knowing he’s with his most precious wife. They both are so happy now enjoying each other again. Bud was like a father to me growing up and I will always cherish those memories. God bless you all. My heart & thoughts will be with you tomorrow.

Reply
Barb Jackson
July 30, 2015 at 10:46 pm

I am so very sorry for your loss. Know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Reply
Kailana Barnes
July 30, 2015 at 10:49 pm

Mrs. Rubio,

I was sorry to hear about your father. I will be thinking of you.

Love,
Kailana

Reply
Theresa Weber
July 31, 2015 at 9:39 am

Dear Melissa Ian and Meredith,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
The loving memoir of your grandfather/ great grandfather is very touching.
What an example to us all of a life well-lived.

Kindly,
Theresa

Reply
Jim Haviland & Sherry McNally
July 31, 2015 at 9:57 am

We are so sorry to hear about Bud. He was sure a special man along with Joan. What an awesome couple. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love and Hugs…

Reply
Anonymous
July 31, 2015 at 11:55 am

Ray and Phyllis, I’m so sorry for your loss. Think of you so often and you’re in my prayers.

Reply

Please Sign The Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *