June 18, 1935 – Nov 26, 2020

It is with profound sadness that the family of Evelyn Mills (Bessey) announce her passing on November 26, 2020.

Evelyn was born in Kenaston, June 18, 1935, to parents Henry Vernon Bessey and Florence (Reynolds) Bessey. She was the youngest sibling, having 4 older brothers.

Evelyn grew up on the farm on the outskirts of Bladworth and on July 5, 1954 she married the love of her life, Ralph Mills. They moved to Kenaston and began a family, welcoming sons Douglas, Greg, Glenn and Kevin. Their days were busy, raising the boys, farming and socializing with friends. They spent many years following the boys’ sports and were very active in the community. The doors were always open to their friends and neighbours.

Many of the boys’ friends spent countless days at the farm and Evelyn became like a surrogate mother to them, often coming to their rescue when they got into precarious situations.

Ev had many passions in life, her family being number one. She loved to cook and bake , and was famous in the community for her buns, cinnamon buns, and pies. She was always an avid reader, right until the end, and later in life loved her puzzle word search books .

There was nothing better in a day for Evelyn than heading to the city and spending the days shopping. Lots and Lots of shopping, (and driving too fast to get there). She and Ralph loved to tinker in the yard, having many enviable flower beds and bushes.

Ev was a vital part of the building of Kenaston Place, and was proud of her seat on the Hall board and Rec Committee, as well as the local Sask Housing Authority. St. Columba Anglican Church was also a large part of her life. She was blessed to have so many wonderful friends, many lifelong.

Ev was so happy when the boys found their life partners. She always said she knew she would someday get her girls. Dawn, Shannon, Sue and Heather were very much loved. She was thrilled when the grandchildren started coming. Ev was born to be a grandmother and she loved them fiercely. Though Sheena and Cayden lived away, they would spend time at the farm. Candice Halter spent her childhood
living with Grandma and Grandpa. Landin, Ashton and Bryce Mills would visit almost daily, and she never missed their various sporting games, dance recitals, school Christmas Concerts, anything they
were involved in. She loved seeing pictures of her 2 great grandsons Liam and Jonah in Germany. She asked to hear story after story about Colter, and was thrilled with the news that there was another little one on the way.

Evelyn took pride in being a farm wife, a mother, and grandmother and in the last few years, a great grandmother. She moved to Saskatoon in 2016, first residing at Preston Park, and in Aug 2019 she moved to Warm and Cosy, where she was treated like a Queen. The family can not thank the care home enough for the care that was received.

Evelyn was predeceased by her husband Ralph, son Douglas, Daughter in Law Dawn, Brothers George (Joan), Fred (Amy), Gordon (Erma), and Lloyd (Madolyn); Brother in Laws Les Mills (Sylvia), Wally Melquist, and Ken Storrey, and nephew Lyle Pillipow.

She leaved to mourn sons: Greg and Shannon, Glenn and Sue, and Kevin and Heather Grandchildren: Sheena (Ken), Cayden (Linda), Candace Halter, Landin (Skylar), Ashton (Jarret) and Bryce
Great Grandsons: Liam & Jonah Mills and Colter Mills Her special Nieces Val, Lorna and Darlene, As well as many much loved nieces, nephews, and their families, and so many many wonderful friends.

The families would like to thank everyone for the flowers, cards, phone calls, texts and messages. It was a beautiful service, and we could feel the love from everyone.

The memories of Evelyn and the time she spent with her family will live in our hearts forever. Evelyn was laid to rest beside her beloved Ralph in the Kenaston Cemetery on December 2.