Barbara Jean Mills
Barbara Jean Mills peacefully passed away on May 3, 2023, at the age of 73, in Chardon.
Born on Oct. 25, 1949, in Akron, to Francis and Rita (nee Ortman) Mills, Barb was a fun-loving mother and grandmother, and a true lover of nature.
She had a special affinity for reading, gardening, raising horses, watching Cleveland sports and playing with her beloved dog, Abby.
She had a great sense of humor and was a strong-willed, patriotic, ever-loving and accepting woman who always stood up for what she believed in.
Growing up, during her time attending Ellet High School in Akron, she developed a lasting love for horses. Over the years, she dedicated herself to raising, training and showing several horses she owned and cared for. She worked tirelessly to develop a bond with each animal, especially her “Paints.” Even after she could no longer ride, her eyes lit up whenever she was around horses.
Barb’s passion for helping others was evident in her work as a janitor at Newbury Schools. Over the course of decades, she kept the schools clean and safe and made her community a better place to live.
During her early years of adulthood, she brought joy to herself and those around her through her passion for dancing, hosting bingo nights and tending to her beautiful flower beds.
She is survived by her three children, sons, Michael Ritterbeck, of Chardon, and John (Monique) Ritterbeck, of Nashville, Tenn., and daughter, Sheryl (Jay) Williams, of Geneva; three grandsons, Jarred Rzeszotarski, Ryan Williams and Justus Ritterbeck; and sister, Edith Mills, of Tallmadge.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Frank Mills, of Laconia, N.H.
Visitation will be held May 9, 2023, from 4-7 p.m., at Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon.
Barbara left a special request for anyone to share a copy of your favorite picture of her for her daughter, Sheryl, to create a photo album to share in the future.
“As we look upon her picture, sweet memories we recall, of a face so full of sunshine, and a smile for one and all. Lord Jesus, take this message, to our dear mother up above; tell her how we miss her, and give her all our love.”
Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.
