Nancy Phoebe Jane Dokken Mills
Born in St Paul MN on January 16, 1933
Died Friday, March 26th 2021 in her sleep at home in Hanahan, SC listening to “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Nancy was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, navy wife, and more. She was a strong Christian whose light shined on so many people. The Lord was a central part of her life and every time she moved, she made sure to be active in helping the local body grow and mature. She ministered through singing in the choir, inviting people to church, helping with the prison ministry, cooking meals. She and Dusty were missionaries in the states for YFC Lifeline Youth Homes.
She lived all over the world with her Husband and family. She was married to Marvin (Dusty) Lew Mills LCDR U.S. Navy (Ret.). He was in the navy for almost 28 years. He preceded her in death in 1986. She was also preceded in death by her infant daughter Kayoko, and 21-year-old son Tino. She was the last surviving child of Altha and Elmer Dokken of Cokato, MN.
She was told she could not have children because of a car accident that shattered her spine, but she did not let her disability stop her from living life. After much discussion with the doctor, she was told she could carry a child only if she was on bed rest and she rose to the challenge. After her first child’s birth, Nancy went on to adopt 4 more children and over time foster-mothered 64 children.
Nancy is survived by her three children Dolores Carveth (Rick), Ryoko Yaryan (Samuel), and Toshio Mills (Jo), eight grandchildren Ann Popik (Ray), Carol Carveth, Tommy Carveth (Brette), Caleb Yaryan (Julie), Barak Yaryan (Lauren), Adriel Yaryan, Jacqueline Mills, and Joy Mills, and seven great-grandchildren, Noah Carveth, Jude Yaryan, Nora Yaryan, Ezra Yaryan, Malachi Yaryan, Isaac Yaryan, Selah Yaryan.
Those close to her would describe her as indomitable, loving, nurturing, and servant-hearted.
Nancy was “one tough cookie” who loved the Lord.
Memorial donations can be sent to:
Lowcountry Crisis Pregnancy Center – https://secure.egsnetwork.com/donate/8EED4D31384E446
Cokato Museum – https://www.cokatomuseum.org/how-to-donate.html
Campus Outreach – https://www.campusoutreach.org/donate/
Grave side Service: 2PM April 5, 2021 at Cokato City Cemetery
Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Cokato and Howard Lake, Minnesota 320-286-2534