Mildred (Millie) Bates age 89 of Layton, Utah passed away peacefully on May 6, 2024. She was born to Daniel and Josie (Turner) Hornbacher in Fremont, Nebraska. She was the fifth child of eight and the first girl.

Most of her childhood was spent in Nevada, Iowa. Even though the family was of little means, Millie and her siblings were rich in mischievous activities. Everyone loved hearing the retelling of those stories. Millie attended Oak Park Academy where she made many lifelong friends. She and Phyllis Cunnington Lyon were friends for 80 years.

Jim and Millie met in their hometown when he was on leave from the military and Millie was home from college on Christmas break. Millie's brother Vernie and Jim were together when they saw Millie. Jim asked, "Who's the girl with the sexy legs?" After that a friend set them up on a blind date for New Year's Eve. Millie and her sister Erma resembled each other both with red hair and similar appearance. Jim saw Erma in town and told her I will pick you up tonight. She couldn't wait to tell Millie that Jim didn't know who he was taking out. That evening both girls were dressed up and ready to go on their dates. When Jim came into the living room he turned various shades of red when he saw both girls seated on the piano bench and didn't know who was who. Fortunately for Jim, Erma's date came soon after and then he knew who Millie was for sure. This set the tone for the fun filled relationship these two would have. They married September 8, 1957 in Nevada, Iowa. Millie and Jim were married for 42 years before he passed away. They enjoyed being together. They loved to travel and camp going all over the northwest and Midwest in Jim's camper truck. They gardened, decorated, renovated and completed numerous DIY projects. They were both fun and funny with Jim being a prankster and Millie being a good sport about it.

Millie and Jim welcomed their son David in 1958. They were proud new parents of their darling red headed boy. In 1960, they had their daughter Brenda, the little girl that stole her daddy's heart. The family was made complete with Casey, an adorable dachshund. She was the best mom and enjoyed her children not only when they were little but as adults. She created a warm and loving home where her children sought comfort and praise. She maintained a close relationship with them both throughout her life.

Millie attended Union College in Lincoln Nebraska prior to getting married. She paid her own way by working several jobs while attending classes. When she was in her 30's she was able to attend Weber State College and finish her degree in education.

Millie was a lifelong member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church. She attended the Ogden church where she held many positions with her favorite being Vacation Bible School Leader. She enjoyed the weeklong adventure of teaching children about Jesus through songs, crafts and activities. Millie enjoyed potlucks and socials where she and her friend Susan prepared and fed many people.

Millie worked at many jobs throughout her youth. Such as cleaning and ironing for a wealthy family, detasseling corn, weeding bean rows and working in a chicken plant. As a result, she worked hard in school and after high school graduation was off to Union College. She studied there for two years before she married Jim. She graduated from Weber State and became a public school special education teacher. She taught at Ogden SDA church school, Doxey Elementary and South Clearfield Elementary for a total of 37 years.

Millie was an exceptional educator and received various awards. Most outstanding were the CCBD Outstanding Educator Award for Service to Students with Behavior Disorders and the Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education.

Millie loved to entertain. She and husband Jim were the hosts to many parties over the years. Some of their favorites were: a barn dance, New Year's Eve parties, Hawaiian Luau, mystery dinner and their daughter's wedding reception.

Millie was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, a women's social group for sixty years. Many cherished friends were made over that time. Millie was named as Valentine Queen this year.

Millie taught kindergarten at Deamude Adventist School for five years on a voluntary basis. She loved teaching and most of her kindergartners were reading and writing above grade level by the end of the school year.

Millie and Jim loved being grandparents. Grandma will be lovingly missed by her grandchildren. Alisa, Amber, Brackon, Stephanie, Kylee, Angela, Sarah and great grandchildren Ayden, Sean, Riley, Austin, Miya, Logan, Lucy, Emmie and Sloane. The memories created will forever be honoring her spirit, whether she was known as grandma or mom. Millie was just that and more for her grandchildren who she loved very much. We are thankful for the safe place and homemade dinners that we all could rely on at any time. "She was always there for us."

Millie leaves behind a blessed family for having such a strong and sufficient matriarch. While we will grieve her loss we will also celebrate everything she did to love and support us.

There is so much more to tell. How do you fit it all in? Suffice it to say, she was an amazing woman who had a major influence on anyone who knew her.

Brenda, Lee and family wish to thank Susan, Geri, Carla and Sarah for the kind care they provided in the last few years.

Services will be held at Leavitt's Mortuary 836 36th St Ogden at 2 pm Friday, May 17. Friends may gather and visit 1 hour prior, In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity that supports children and families.