Obituary - Wanda Jean (Smith) Mills

Wanda Jean (Smith) Mills passed away of natural causes October 17, 2020, at her home in Chandler, Arizona, with her beloved husband, Phil, at her side.

Wanda was born in Havre Montana Oct. 14,1952 to Leon and Evelyn Smith. She grew up in Hingham and graduated from Hingham High School in 1970.

Wanda married Rusty Cross and moved to Mesa Arizona. They had one son, Bryan Eugene. They later divorced, and Wanda married Phil Mills.

Wanda had a "bad ticker" and was chosen for research to receive the first stem cell heart implant. Her courage to undergo heart research paved the way for future data, knowledge and treatment, giving hope to others with various heart conditions

Wanda was a loving wife, proud mother, doting grandmother and a special sister and wonderful friend to all. She was active in the First Church of the Nazarene in Chandler. She loved to laugh, do crafts and play games. Wanda's son, Bryan, died of a tragic accident three years ago. Bryan and Amanda blessed Wanda with four grandchildren, Maribel, Joey, Foster and Miller. Her greatest joy was being with and talking about her son and grandchildren.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Leon and Evelyn Smith, and son, Bryan Cross.

She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Phil Mills; daughter-in-law, Amanda Cross of Chandler; grandchildren, Maribel, Joey, Foster and Miller; brothers, Larry (Wanita) Smith, Kalispell MT, and James Smith Bremerton, WA; sisters, Lynn (John) Paasch and Linda Smith of Bremerton WA and Pamela (David) Wilson of Havre, and many cousins, nieces and nephews and their children.