Ronald G. Mills

Ronald George Mills, aged 80, of Merrimac, MA, peacefully passed to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loving family at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA, on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. His journey into the arms of Jesus followed three months of declining health subsequent to suffering a stroke on January 2, 2024. Prior to the stroke, Ron remained active, both in his business and volunteer work. His resilience and dignity shone through as he tirelessly endeavored to reclaim the faculties affected by the stroke. With steadfast determination, he returned home, regained his speech, and made notable progress in restoring his swallowing reflex and ability to eat. Nevertheless, recurrent bouts of pneumonia and other ailments persisted, ultimately taking their toll on him.

Ronald was born on September 25, 1943, to the late John William Mills Sr. and Helen Elizabeth Mills in Pittsburg, PA. A gifted entrepreneur from a young age, he embarked on his first business venture as a paperboy, eventually expanding his route to such an extent that he enlisted the help of neighborhood boys to accommodate his growing clientele. After graduating from Horseheads High School in 1961, Ron remained closely connected with his alma mater, actively engaging with former classmates, and playing a pivotal role in commemorating those who had passed away and extending support to their bereaved families.

Ron celebrated 59 years of marriage to his beautiful, loving, and devoted wife, Carol Kline Mills. They were high school sweethearts who eloped after Ron’s family relocated to Vero Beach, Florida, to operate a motel they owned. It was here that they welcomed their son, Mark. Ron always referred to Carol as the proverbial woman found in Proverbs 31, a virtuous, hardworking, Godly woman of strength and dignity, “whose price is far above rubies” and later as “superwoman.” Ron and Carol worked together as interior decorators at the family-owned and operated Window Within, Inc. for most of their marriage. Carol has been an integral part of Window Within, managing the showroom and office since the late 80s and the backbone of the Mills family and home life, blessing and supporting Ron’s ability to volunteer his time in the community and overseas, helping those in need while sharing the word of God. “Her candle always burns through the night, making sure all her family’s needs are met”, volunteering her time and running the daily operations at the Window Within.

Ron answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the Army from 1964 to 1970 as a Supply Specialist, swiftly rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. This was a period he regarded with deep pride and gratitude for the opportunities it afforded him and the camaraderie he found. After his honorable discharge, he joined the American Legion honoring veterans through various events. Yearly, he would participate in the Memorial and Veterans Day services at church, adoring his dress uniform. He was the only man on his legion known to be able to fit into his uniform throughout all the seasons of his life.  

His career in the private sector saw him ascend the ranks in department stores as a manager at Grant's before assuming the role of General Manager at Zyare, where he played a pivotal role in the establishment of new stores. Relocating his family to Merrimac, MA, Ron later transitioned to Mitchell’s Department Store in Haverhill. When Mitchells closed, he seized the opportunity to acquire the window treatment department, becoming the proud owner of Window Within, Inc., a venture he nurtured for over four decades.

Among his proudest achievements was his role as a father; he was blessed to have raised two children, Mark and Jennifer, who hold him in the highest regard as their hero. Ron and Carol raised a son, 58, of Exeter, who works as an IT manager in the window treatment industry. Mark got his star in the field working with his father for several decades as the Vice President of Window Within, Inc. Their daughter, Jennifer Mills Cahill, 48, of Merrimac, is a licensed hospice Social Worker, turned Interior Decorator during COVID, who had been working alongside her father at Window Within, Inc. up until January 2^nd when he suffered his debilitating stroke. Jennifer plans to continue operating Window Within, Inc., serving its many loyal customers with the same excellent customer service that her father built the business on.

His role as a loving grandfather and great-grandfather brought him immense joy, and his presence enriched the lives of each generation he touched. Ron had four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: Timothy Mills (daughter Aria), Stephanie (fiancé Justin Frost, daughters Autumn and Miah Julie, sons Michael and Jaedyn Frost), Jeffrey Mills (wife Ericka Mills), and Haven James Cahill (son of Jennifer Mills Cahill). He made it a point to have special one on one time with each of his grandchildren as they grew, sharing his faith with them, taking them to church, Sunday school, vacation bible school and praying for each one of them daily. He was an avid pool player and taught all his grandchildren how to play. Ron loved spending time with his family, especially going on vacations and entertainment excursions with his children, grandchildren, and extended family.

Ron was happiest when he was traveling, having new experiences, helping, and ministering to people. He enjoyed traveling to Florida to work with his older brother, John Mills, Jr., on Interior Decorating projects for high-profile clients. He also enjoyed family Christmases in Florida with his younger brother Bob, wife Kathy, children Christy and Tracey, and his late mother, Helen. Ron had a close relationship with his mother-in-law, the late Leona Kline, Carol’s siblings, and their children. He faithfully attended the family reunions.

Ron's legacy extends to his involvement as a Youth Group leader when his children were young, guiding numerous young souls to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He was also an accomplished interior decorator, contractor, networker, and business owner, an active member of the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, on the board at Whitter Voc Tech for many years, and served as President and Chairman of the Board of Common Ground Ministries for 25 years. The walls of the Window Within are covered in the various awards he has received for his service to others. Far too many to list here. Though he may have modestly described himself as "just an ordinary guy," Ron's impact on the world around him was anything but ordinary. His legacy as a mentor, leader, and beacon of light will continue to inspire generations to come.

Ron's spirit of adventure and compassion knew no bounds. His commitment to international missionary work took him to places far from home, such as Haiti and Honduras, where he dedicated himself to building schools, providing essential water treatment facilities for rural communities, and spreading the word of God. Closer to home, Ron's contributions as a local missionary were profound, particularly in the Haverhill community, impacting the lives of countless individuals through his over a quarter-of-a-century work with Common Ground Ministries. Even in the face of challenges and adversity when COVID hit, Ron obtained grants, raised funds, and awareness to help get on-site at Common Ground showers, health screenings, testing, and vaccinations to reach the homeless and low-income in Haverhill and surrounding communities.  

Throughout his life, Ron exhibited unwavering determination and leadership in every endeavor he pursued. His dedication to community service earned him the prestigious Robert Tafe Community Service Award, solidifying his status as a pillar of the community. A man of deep faith, Ron's devotion to God and his unwavering belief in the power of ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary feats earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.

Ron leaves behind his devoted wife of 59 years, Carol Kline Mills; his son, Mark A. Mills (late wife, Julie M. Mills); and daughter, Jennifer L. Mills Cahill. His brothers survive Ron, John W. Mills Jr. (wife Chris Mills, children Cheryl Bartoli and John Mills), and Robert E. Mills (wife Kathy Mills and children Christy Mills and Tracy Mills). Nieces Nicole Dunbar, April Arnold, and several great nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his sister, Dolores M. Mills (survived by her children Rick, David, and Dawn Dunbar).

Ron's legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. His impact was felt far and wide, and his memory will forever be cherished. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Common Ground Ministries in his memory. https://cgmcafe.org/donate

A celebration of Ron's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 217 Main Street, Haverhill, MA, to honor his memory and the profound impact he had on all who knew him. After the service, there will be food and fellowship in the adjoining hall. Ron was a man of the community; all are welcome to attend. Ron’s ashes will be laid to rest among family at Forrest Lawn Memorial Cemetery, 563 Jerusalem Hill Rd, Elmira, NY, at the end of July 2024.

As we gather to celebrate Ron's remarkable life, let us remember the profound impact he had on each of us and the world around him. His dying wish was for unity and for all those he knows to accept Jesus into their hearts so he would be reunited with them in heaven. From the mouth of Ron to your heart: Is he speaking to you? His favorite verse was: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” Come...there is room at the Cross for you. Should you want assistance with your faith journey, please contact Common Ground Ministries at 978-372-3336.   

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have joined us in honoring Ron's memory.