Bettie Jane Mills

Bettie J. Mills, age 96, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Sacred Heart Care Center in Austin. Bettie Jane Greene was born on December 21, 1929, in Spencer, Iowa, to Sanford and Esther (Heinsen) Greene. She attended school in Greenville and graduated from Greenville-Rossie High School in 1947. On February 4, 1949, Bettie was united in marriage to Gale Wilson Mills in Greenville, Iowa. Bettie and Gale moved to rural LeRoy in 1951 and farmed there until 1978 when they moved into town. Bettie worked as a bookkeeper at Hansen Tire for 16 years. She also held a real estate license and served as a federal land and home appraiser for several banks. In the early 1990s Bettie and Gale moved to Alamo, Texas, and lived there for 27 years. During this time, they were activity directors for three years in their park in Texas. The couple was married for 65 years until Gale’s passing in 2014. In 2016, Bettie returned to Austin. Bettie enjoyed playing bridge and golf.

Bettie is survived by her son, Michael (Elaine) Mills of LeRoy, Minnesota; three daughters, Kris (Mark) Kinter of Spring Park, Minnesota, Patti (Ron) Duvel of Postville, Iowa, and Mary Christian of Dexter, Minnesota; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gale; grandson, Kyle Kinter; and brothers and sisters.

A graveside service for Bettie and Gale will be held in the spring of 2026 at North Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Spencer, Iowa. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.