Joan Cerny Mills age 84 of Bartlesville, Ok former resident of Coffeyville, Ks. went to be with the Lord on June 8th, 2023. Her family was by her side at Ascension St. John Jane Phillips Hospital.
Joan (Jody) was born to Clifford and Frenia Cerny on February 28, 1939, in Coffeyville, Ks. She graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1957 and attended Coffeyville Community College.
Joan met the love of her life, Larry Britt Mills on the running track where Larry accidentally ran into her knocking her down. They officially met and started dating when Larry came into her place of employment, Coffeyville Laundry and Dry Cleaners. The couple married on October 26, 1958 at the Frist United Methodist Church where they were members and were involved in the homebuilders bible study club.
Joan will be remembered for her beautiful infectious smile, her steadfast love and dedication to her family. She was selfless, loyal, loving and forgiving. In her younger years she greatly enjoyed cooking and sewing for her family. She enjoyed playing in bridge clubs and family picnics and she and Larry enjoyed square dancing.
Later in life her greatest joy was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved attending her grandchildren’s activities. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, watching movies, reading, cooking for family gatherings, Pepsi runs and keeping up with current and political events with her husband.
Her parents Clifford and Frenia Cerny and brother Ron Cerny all of Coffeyville precede her in death.
Joan is survived by her husband of almost 65 years, Larry Mills of the home. Her sisters, Kathy Williams and husband Rex. Jackie Waddell and husband Danny of Coffeyville. She is also survived by her 5 loving daughters. Terri Stoops, Kristi Martin, Rhonda Pauls and husband Mike, Stacey Mills-Baker and husband Clint, Stephanie Adame and husband Sal. She left behind 22 grandchildren. Christopher Daugherty, Ashley Williams, Logan Martin, Zachary Mills, Tyler Pauls, Skyler Martin, Tayler Pauls, Alex Galindo, Sydney Mills, Kelsie Carr, Savanna Storkson, Hunter Stoops, Jordan Stoops, Brooklyn Martin, Tatum Pauls, Riley Adame, Harley Mills-Baker, Hayden Mills-Baker, Gavin Mills-Baker, Eli Adame, Isaac Adame and Ian Adame. She had 10 great grandchildren. Haven Myers, Hydin Mills, Averie Willmoth, Braxton Galindo, Anistynn Galindo, Atlas Mills, Syrus Williams, Kade Pauls, Aubry Pauls, Mack Woods and expecting precious twins in the fall. Joan loved her family fiercely and will be immensely missed until her family is reunited with her in Heaven.
Joan was the rock of her large family and the bond that united them. She will live on through their many memories. She was an inspiration to all who knew her, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives that she touched.
Funeral Services for Joan will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Noon at First United Methodist Church, 304 W 10th St, Coffeyville, KS 67337; the family will receive friends from 11 am until service time on Thursday. Pastors Yves Kinangwa and Tyler Neighbors will be officiating. Graveside services will be held at the Fairview Veterans Patio following the services. The family will privately lay Joan to rest in Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery following the Graveside Service. The family has request memorial contributions to be made payable to St Judes and may be left in care of the chapel. To leave a message of condolence, share a memory or view live streaming of the service under her obituary page visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com. Services are under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel of Coffeyville.
