J. Louise Mills

J. Louise Mills, 96, of Huntingdon, passed peacefully on March 5, 2026 at the Oaks at Westminster Woods, surrounded by her family. Born on January 1, 1930 in Mapleton Depot, she was the daughter of the late Alexander and Agata Maria (Cori) DeMario. She married John P. Mills on October 14, 1950 in Mapleton, and they shared 66 years of marriage until his death on September 18, 2017.

Louise is survived by her three children, Steve Mills (Melaney) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Jim Mills (Joyce) of Huntingdon, and Sherry Perow (Gary) of Huntingdon; seven grandchildren, J.P. Mills of State College, Delaney Mills of Florence, South Carolina, Conner Mills (Laura) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Lauren Perow (Sam), Austin Perow (Tori), and Bruce Perow, all of Huntingdon, and Elliott Perow (Brittany) of Dubois; one great-grandchild, Crew Perow of Dubois; and a dear family friend, Jerry Ardrey of Middletown. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, having been preceded in death by her sisters Lola Ernest (Austin), Flora Ernest (Norman), and Helen Getz (Jim), and her brothers Donald DeMario (Louise) and Arthur DeMario (Beryl).

A 1949 graduate of Mount Union High School, Louise placed family at the center of her life and was affectionately known as “Tip” to those who loved her. She devoted herself to caring for her husband and children, later working as an inheritance tax auditor for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania until her retirement in 1986. She will be remembered for her vivid stories of days gone by, her loving tales of her grandchildren’s childhoods, and the deep devotion she showed her family. She lived by her high school motto, “live while you live,” and found joy in time spent with loved ones, shopping, and vacations at the beach.