Mildred Bell

BELL, Mildred "Millie" (Billington) - Age 95, passed peacefully Sunday, January 14, 2018 at Genesys Regional Medical Center after complications from surgery. From her birth in Flint on July 10, 1922, to the time she went to Heaven, Millie nourished people around her with kindness and a beautiful, warm smile. Millie was born to Donald and Julia (Parrent) Billington and was the oldest of three daughters. Millie lived on Thread Lake in her early childhood years, then graduated from Otisville High School. She married Merle Bell on December 29, 1945 and together they had two daughters. They enjoyed square dancing in South Florida, then later in Arizona in their older years. Millie went back to college after her two daughters were married, inspiring others you are never too old to reach your goals. She earned a degree in Gerontology. After moving to American House, she enjoyed greeting new residents and making them feel welcomed. Left to honor Millie and remember her love are her daughters, Merlene (Steve) Keesler and Cynthia (Dan) Niles; her six grandchildren, Brent (Becky) Baksa, Tony (Laura) Baksa, Kristi (Chuck) Dunstan, Ryan (Kimberly) Niles, Kortney (Corey) Koopman and Kiley Niles; 22 great-grandchildren; sister, Donna Oas; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Diane Jerabek and her husband, Merle. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Traverse City. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to The National Kidney Foundation.