Keith Mills

Keith LeRoy Mills was born at the family home on December 21, 1929, in Lincoln, Nebraska. The family moved frequently, due to his father’s employment, living in Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota, and Nebraska. They returned to Lincoln in 1942 where Keith completed his public school education. He worked his way through college at a local bank and graduated from the University of Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He participated in ROTC while attending the university and later transferred to the Army Reserves.

On September 12, 1953, Keith married Esther Brong at her parents’ home in Central City, NE. They had four children: Lois, Mary, Catherine, and Dan. He shared his love of God, humor, travel, and music with them.

While in Lincoln, Keith worked as a cost accountant for a construction company and an industrial engineer for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Cushman Motors; he also had his own general insurance agency. In the summer of 1969, Keith and Esther moved their family to Salem, Oregon. By the end of that year, he was working at Chemeketa Community College as an instructor in the social science and business departments, along with other administrative assignments.
He was also involved in selling real estate and managing his own properties.

In 1974, Keith earned his Master of Business Administration at Portland State University, which opened doors to teach social science classes at Western Baptist College and management courses at Linfield College.

Throughout his life, Keith has been active in both church and various other organizations. In 2003, Keith and Esther decided to make Capital Manor their home. While there, he served on numerous committees and made many friends.

On Monday, July 31, 2023, Keith was welcomed to his heavenly home by Jesus, his wife of 57 years, Esther, his parents, Robert and Anna Mills, elder brother, Robert, Jr. and many other family and friends. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Lois (David) Wellsfry, Sequim, WA; Mary (Craig) Pruitt, Salem, OR; Catherine (Gary) Hewett, Smyrna, TN; and Dan Mills, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He has 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Capital Manor Foundation.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to Capitol Manor Foundation.