Mrs. Ilene Lavone Mills (Pettigrew), age 73, transitioned from this life into eternal life on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 3:02 a.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital, surrounded by the love of her family.

Ilene was born on March 9, 1953, in Lima, Ohio, to the union of Thomas and Pauline (Miller) Pettigrew. She was raised with strong family values, a compassionate heart, and a joyful spirit that would become the hallmark of her life.

On August 30, 1974, Ilene was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Stanley E. Mills, Sr. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, music, and treasured memories. Stanley preceded her in death on February 16, 2012, leaving behind a legacy of love that continued through their children and family.

For more than 30 years, Ilene faithfully served her community as a Home Health Aide with IHS. She provided exceptional care, compassion, and dedication to every client she served. Her clients were never just patients—they each held a special place in her heart, and she treated them with dignity, kindness, and genuine love.

Ilene was a devoted member of 11th Street Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully worshiped under the leadership of Rev. Robert Toney. She served diligently on the Usher Board and in the Nurse Aide Ministry, always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed.

In her spare time, Ilene found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time with her family, dancing, working in her yard, and filling her home with music as she sang in the kitchen. She was especially known for preparing her famous dressing—often declared "the best in the city"—a dish everyone looked forward to enjoying at family gatherings and holidays. Her warm smile, generous heart, and unwavering love for her family will forever remain cherished memories.

Ilene leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving children: Stanley T. Mills, Jr. (Latoya) of Lima, Ohio; Alicia D. Mills of Columbus, Ohio; and Travica L. Mills of Athens, Alabama. She was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever be grateful for her love, guidance, encouragement, and unwavering affection.

She is also survived by her brothers, Billy Pettigrew of Lima, Ohio, Bruce Pettigrew of Lima, Ohio, Carl Pettigrew of Chicago, IL and Anthony Pettigrew of Irving, Texas; and her sisters, Ramona Lawrence, Veronica Daniel, and Gwendolyn Pettigrew, all of Lima, Ohio; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives she touched.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Pettigrew and Pauline Pettigrew; her beloved husband, Stanley E. Mills, Sr.; her son, Rickie Q. Mills; and two her sister, Ethel Pettigrew and Betty Hill.

A celebration of Ilene's life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11th Street Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 noon.

Services entrusted to: JONES-CLARK FUNERAL HOME, INC.

To order flowers and to offer condolences to the Mills Family, visit www.jonesclarkfuneralhome.com