Rita A. Mills, 65 of Lincoln, passed away Monday February 17, 2014. Born August 11, 1948 to Harold and Virginia Huson in Jacksonville, IL. She was raised in Decatur, IL and graduated high school from MacArthur High School in 1966.
She married Stan Mills on June 11, 1971. Stan and Rita raised their family in Lincoln where she worked for the State of Nebraska. Rita retired from the State of Nebraska Child Protective Services in 1992. She was a cottage parent at Whitehall from 1972-1974, Lincoln Girls Group Home supervisor from 1974-1983 and then worked at the state office of Child Protective Services until her retirement. Rita was instrumental in the development of the family convenience store business; Mills Squeegee. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church where she had served as a woman deacon and assisted in Sunday school programs. Rita by all accounts was a free spirit who could light up the room with her smile. Known to many as Reet, she had a giving heart that drew people to her. She was an amazing person who fought to the end and burned out too soon.
Rita was survived by her loving husband, Stan children (spouses) Brookley (Joe) Rivera of Lincoln, Ry (Kelly) Mills of Chicago, IL, two marvelous grandchildren Mason and Miley Rivera one Baby Mills due in August, godson Dakota Turner of Chicago IL, sister Janet Wilder of Lincoln, brothers Dennis (Phoebe) Huson, Greg (Susie) Huson and Brad (Cindy) Huson. Proceeded in death by her parents and brother Hal Huson. Rita was also the home away from home mother to several Husker athletes in the early 90’s, especially Nate Turner, Keith Moody and Tony Farmer.
Memorial service will be held at 11 am Friday Feb. 28 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, officiating will be Reverend Andrew McDonald. Memorials to Camp Sonshine.