Delores M. “Big Mama” Mills, 73, of Ottumwa, passed away at 12:35 a.m. April 23, 2023 at Vista Woods Care Center.
She was born May 18, 1949 in Ottumwa to Gerald and Katheryn Osborne Reinier. Delores was united in marriage to Ronald Mills on November 4, 1978.
She had worked at West End Country Club, Econo Foods, Owls Nest, plus various other jobs. She was proud to say she and her husband went to Antigua twice for a week at a time. It was quite an experience she’ll never forget. Delores and her husband enjoyed walking and feeding the animals at Ottumwa Park as long as she was able. Delores collected buttons and enjoyed reading Chicken Soup for the Soul books.
Surviving is her husband, Ronald Mills; her grandson, Jesse Stafford of Des Moines; step-son, Douglas Mills and his wife of University Park; step-daughter, Michelle Moore of Denver, CO; 7 step-grandchildren; siblings, Vicky Albright, Sheila Reinier and Geraldine Wheaton all of Ottumwa; and leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Debbie and Jerry Hedgecock of Indiana and her cats, Blackie and Littlebit; and Todd Smith who helped her out so much.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Hawk; her parents and grandparents; one sibling, Debra Townsend; long-time friend, Paula Giberson and her cats, Alley, Puppy Cat and Bandit.
Visitation will be open to the public 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 27th at Reece Funeral Home.
Private burial will be in Chillicothe Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Chillicothe Cemetery or Heartland Humane Society.
