David Ross Mills

     David Ross Mills, age 73, of Ashley MI, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025. David was born April 5, 1951, in Alma, Michigan. The son of Howard and Norma Mills. Dave graduated from Ithaca High School class of 1969. On March 21, 1970, he married the love of his life, Karen Mae Foster, in Wheeler MI. Dave and Karen enjoyed 54 years of marriage in which they had 3 sons: Chad, Josh, and Clay, and worked together to build their horse farm. Dave had various jobs throughout the years, most notably being Clay’s sidekick in construction until recent years. Dave and Karen were 4-H leaders for more than 25 years. Dave enjoyed working on his own farm with Chad and Karen, gardening, and producing pigs and horses. Anywhere Dave went he was known for his telling of jokes and stories, good humor, and wonderful smile. Dave was an excellent father to his own boys and father figure to many others who have expressed great memories of spending time on the Mills farm. Dave’s true calling in life may have been when he became a grandfather.
      David is survived by his wife Karen, sons: Chad (Tom), Clay (Laura), and grandchildren Avery, Emily, Christopher, and Jordan of Ashley, MI, also siblings: Rodney (Linda) of Centreville, MI; Ron (Vicki) of Milford, MI; and Cynthia (Rod) of Elsie, MI; father-in-law Duane Foster, siblings-in-law: Debra (Kevin), Michael, Diane (Don), and Kelly (Dan); and many nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his son Josh, parents Howard and Norma, mother-in-law, Phyllis, and brother John.
    Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 7, 2025. Burial will take place at Hamilton Township Cemetery, Hamilton Twp., MI. Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at the funeral home.
      Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.