Catherine “Katie” Mills, 73, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois, at 12:18 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Katie was born September 2, 1952, in Galesburg, the daughter of Dr. C.R. and Loretta Mills. Katie attended ROVA Schools and went on to work for Sunnyside School and Training Center, Marigold Health Care and Rehab, and Galesburg Research Hospital, before moving to Kansas City. While in Kansas City, she worked for the Kansas City Center for Developmentally Disabled. Upon returning to Galesburg, Katie worked at Pizza Hut, Protexal Plant for a time, and eventually retired from Carhartt in Galesburg.
A lady with a generous heart, Katie loved helping people throughout her life, and especially in her later years at her apartment building. She was thoughtful and kind, would help anyone in need, and was often described as selfless. She enjoyed watching movies, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved animals, and liked to swim. Katie was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and found solace in driving her car enjoying nature. When in her apartment she would often be listening to the police scanner.
Katie is survived by one brother, John Mills of Altona, Illinois; and four sisters, Julianne (Dr. Gary) Wooden of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Virginia Doran of Lady Lake, Florida, Colleen Mills, and Annette Mills, both of Altona. Katie is also survived by three nieces, Alissa Wooden, Darla Wooden, and Hayley Mills; one nephew, James Wooden; a great niece, Yalda; and a great nephew, Liam. Along with her parents, Katie was preceded in death by three brothers, James, William, and Richard.
Cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Altona, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society and Animal Shelter, Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living, or another charity of choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
