Makinley Marie Mills

GARNER – Makinley M. Mills, 15 month old daughter of Jeremy and Dawn Mills of Garner died Saturday (December 22, 2007) at home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner with Rev. Dale Glawatz officiating. Burial will be in Concord Township Cemetery in Garner.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 P.M., Wednesday at the Cataldo Funeral Chapel, 160 E. 4th St. in Garner and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Makinley M. Mills Memorial Fund.

Makinley Marie Mills, the daughter of Jeremy and Dawn (Bakken) Mills was born Sept. 19, 2006 at Mason City. An older brother Dalton welcomed her to the home they shared in Garner. As each day passed their love for Makinley grew stronger and Dalton adored his “Kinney”. It was clear from the start that she was a very special little girl. Makinley was baptized at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Garner. Prior to the progression of her disease she was a happy baby filled with smiles. She loved fun filled days of peek-a-boo and dancing with mommy, slobbering kisses and evenings on the couch with daddy and an endless supply of hugs and lullabies from a big brother who could not get enough of her. She felt the constant adoration of family and friends who loved her very much. In May of 2007, after several months of fear and frustration, Makinley was diagnosed with a degenerative neurological disorder called Krabbe disease. When the family learned that Makinley’s life on earth would be all too short, they vowed to make each moment precious. Dawn and Jeremy found the strength to face each new day with a positive spirit and Dalton prided himself in doing his best to help care for Makinley. He loved the opportunity to help in any way he could. It is certain that this sweet baby felt more love than some experience in a lifetime. They cherish every moment they were given with her. Anyone who has been blessed to know Makinley has clearly been touched by her sweet and gentle soul. Though never speaking a word, she left a lasting impression on thousands, touching our hearts and lives forever. From her we learned the importance of never taking anything for granted. She taught us to love one another purely and unconditionally. She taught us to love without fear and blame. She gave us a renewed insight to what is REALLY important…Love, Faith, Family and Friends. Although she was taken from us all too soon, she has taught us lessons to last a lifetime and we are better people for having been touched by her spirit. On Dec. 22, 2008 Makinley died at home in the loving embrace of her father and mother, with big brother Dalton at their side. Family and friends were blessed to celebrate a special Christmas celebration in honor of Makinley in the hours prior to her passing. In the comforting words of her mother “we wanted to have her with us for Christmas so badly, but Makinley must have received a birthday invitation from God that she couldn’t resist. I don’t want her to go, but there couldn't be a more joyous time to go to heaven.”

She is survived by her parents, Jeremy and Dawn Mills of Garner; her brother, Dalton; maternal grandparents, Jim and Cheryl Bakken of Forest City; paternal grandparents, Kevin and Wendy Mills of Marathon; great grandmothers, Lavina Bakken of Garner, Harriet Harms of Buffalo Center and Darlene Mills of Webb; aunts and uncles, Cheila and Bryan Frayne of Garner, Brenda and Eddy Simon of Mason City, Brad Bakken of Garner, Tara and Dennis Reid of Runnells, Stacey and Melany Mills of Webb, and Sarah and Jamie Staley of Webster City ; as well as many special cousins.

Makinley was preceded in death by her great grandfathers, Carrol Bakken, Ubbie Harms and Roy Mills; and great grandparents, Russell and Arlene Skelton.