M. Joanne Mills, known affectionately to family and friends as “Joanne” or “Annie,” passed away Sunday, October 15th at the age of 91. Joanne was born on March 5, 1932, to Matt and Marguerite (Campbell) Adler. The youngest of five children, Joanne was born and raised in Rudolph, OH and attended Liberty High School where she graduated as the Salutatorian in 1950.
Joanne married Clifford “Junior” Searfoss in 1952 and welcomed her only child, Kristy, in 1954 before the couple divorced. As a single mom, Joanne worked as an accountant and studied independently for the CPA exam, which she passed, with no college education, to become a Certified Public Accountant. She then became the Controller for Great Scott, Inc. in Findlay, OH while also working as a CPA from her home, which she continued for many years after her retirement. Joanne found her true happiness when she married Darrell Mills in 1980. The couple was married at the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where they purchased their cherished lake home and spent years hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, and enjoying the tranquil wilderness of the U.P. with family and friends. Throughout her life, Joanne found joy in many things. She was an avid reader and worked the newspaper crossword every day. Joanne loved to play cards with family and friends, belonging to a lady’s poker club for many years. She also enjoyed line dancing, participated in Silver Sneakers, and loved a trip to the casino to play the slots. Throughout her life, she played the piano and the organ both for personal and family enjoyment and for various events such as activities at the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club. Joanne was a lifelong member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bowling Green, a member of the Lady Elks, and a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs.
Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; three of her siblings: Irene (Norm) Swartz of North Baltimore, OH; Helen (James) Wensink of Florida; and Robert (Leanna) Adler of Rudolph, OH; and her husband, Darrell.
She is survived by her daughter, Kristy Kinney of Bowling Green and her granddaughter, Kylie (Jim) Lindquist of Woodridge, IL. She is also survived by her brother, Richard “Dick” (Theresa) Adler of Bowling Green as well as several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bowling Green Manor – particularly the C-Hall nurses and nurse aides – for their love and care for Joanne; with special thanks to Bev, Rhonda, Patty, and Greg – and to Cindy Wenig for providing loving in-home care to Joanne as well.
Visitation will be held Wednesday October 18, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home, located in the Historical District of Bowling Green at 408 W. Wooster St. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday October 19, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, 150 S. Enterprise St. Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To share an online condolence or fond memory with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com.
