REEDVILLE—Sandra Elane Ward Mills, 78, of Reedville passed away on October 14, 2019. She was born on February 21, 1941, in Sandy Spring, Md. She grew up in a household full of women including her mother, Rachel Ward, her grandmother, Katherine Collins and sisters, Kathy, Rachel and Sally. Sandra graduated high school in Guam while on tour with her mother.
She married Warren Arnold and had three girls; twins Debbie and Ruth and Alicia. She worked for Fairfax County for 26 years until retiring on disability. Sandra dealt stoically with MS for 30 years, fighting to maintain her mobility and other activities of daily living.
She was married to her second husband, Christopher J. Mills, for 45 years. Together they raised Sandye’s daughters and Chris’ three children, Kristin, Raymond (deceased) and Dotty. Also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They enjoyed traveling and spending time with their two families and they retired to Reedville, where they opened a bed and breakfast and have run it for 20 years. Sandra never tired of decorating, greeting customers and helping with chores.
She converted to Catholicism and was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Kilmarnock.
Sandra raised a special needs daughter to achieve semi-independence. After her MS became unmanageable at home, she moved to The Virginia Home in Richmond. She thrived there until heart failure ended her 78 years.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 18, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church Cemetery, Kilmarnock. Family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. Thursday, October 17, at Currie Funeral Home, Kilmarnock.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Virginia Home, 1101 Hampton Street, Richmond, VA 23220.
