Parkwood Village Resident - Lois Mills

Lois Mills was born at Hartner, in 3rd grade moving near Coats where she graduated from high school. She also reminisced about her holiday memories. All the family being gathered together had top billing as the most important aspect of holidays.

That family getting together was a large group- considering she had NINE siblings! Also, parents, and a grandmother who lived with them. Sometimes they all piled in the car and drove to their grandparents in TX. If the kids were rowdy in the car, their dad would say, “Am I going to have to stop this car?!” Lois says, “We knew what that meant!” 

In addition to the in-home family- any visitors were always invited to share the meal. That was practiced anytime, not just at Christmas. She chuckled, recounting how their minister was often there at lunchtime. Lois said her mom was a wonderful cook!

Regarding what foods were customary for holiday dinners, Lois said they baked all kinds of pies! Family favorites were served, including turkey, dressing, and cranberry. “Just all good food.”

Even as the kids grew up, having families of their own, it remained important for as many as possible to come home for Christmas Eve or Day. She recalls one Christmas when her dad drove clear to South Dakota to bring home a sister who’d been longing to be there. Lois said the family “was real excited about it”, as that sister didn't get home often. The children learned how to work- apparently if someone said they were bored, they would have a job to do! Lois has enjoyed teaching her grandkids how to play hopscotch, as well as loving basketball. 

She noted that holidays were a wonderful time. Lois emphasized that as family members began to pass away, gathering together became even more special to all. Her sharing underscores the importance of togetherness! 

One grandson would stop by often, and Lois had homemade cinnamon rolls, or custard pie for him. She says he loved that pie! Lois had taken care of him the first six weeks of his life, due to his mom being in the hospital longer than he. So, she admits, she may be partial to him- “... just a wee bit!”