Mr. Ritchie Wade Mills
March 6, 1953 ~ June 13, 2024
Born in:
Steubenville, OH
Resided in:
Weirton, WV
Ritchie Wade Mills, 71, of Weirton, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and forever friend to many arrived at his final destination as he entered into the presence of The Most High God. He heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant” from the lips of his Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday morning, June 13, 2024, at his home.
Rich was born March 6, 1953, one of four children born to Rev. Wallace J. and Julia L. Boyce Mills. His parents and oldest sister, Betty Ruth precede him in death.
He attended Mount Vernon Nazarene College and continued his education at West Liberty State College, studying Elementary Education and Ministry of Music, before embarking on a remarkable, fulfilling 42-year career at Weirton Steel. At the mill Rich worked in the Tin Mill Fuel Department as a crew chief. Rich will be remembered and admired by his co-workers as a lifelong friend for years to come. He led by example and respected every individual.
On July 26, 1973, Rich married his Sweetheart, Thelma. Together, they embraced a beautiful life and were blessed beyond measure with two sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren, and a great-grandson, Alyjah (Pop’s favorite baby ever). The family cherished Pop’s heart of gold and even-tempered personality. He was always available to offer sound advice, but only when asked. He found immeasurable joy in hunting at the “Old Cabin” in Wetzel County, fishing, and camping with his family. Rich’s passion for music filled every aspect of their lives as he shared his accomplished talent on the piano and guitar with his love for worship and praise music. Rich loved collecting Lionel trains and antique glass. Rich had a deep interest in time pieces of all ages, collecting and working on antique clocks and pocket watches. This hobby filled his time with great accomplishment.
Rich’s life testament of compassion and dedication was his time and talents spent serving others. In addition to several Work and Witness mission trips, he thrived at hosting the Appalachia Reach Out (ARO) Ministry in Nicholas County, WV. This calling on his life was one of his greatest opportunities to grow the Kingdom, and truly fed his soul. His commitment to his community and deep spiritual connection extended to his faithful membership at the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene.
Rich’s legacy of love, service, and dedication will be forever cherished by all those whose lives have been enriched because he loved them: his beloved wife, Thelma; his two sons, Adam W. Mills (Michalene) and Andrew J. Mills (Theresa Hamblen); his daughter, Olivia R. Powell (Wendel); his brother, Nelson Mills (Sherry); his sister, Brenda Luedke; his three brother in laws, Wayne White, Michael White (Lisa), Charlie White (Robin); his eight grandchildren, Morgan Mills (Austin Jacobs), Regan Hunter, Baylei Mills, Elijah Powell, Madison Mills, Karalyne Hunter, Aiden Mills, and Danica Mills, several nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Rich’s family will receive family and friends on Monday from 4 PM until the time of his Celebration of Life Service at 6 PM at the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene 475 Colliers Way Weirton, WV. His lifelong friend and forever Best Man, Rev. Larry Barkley, will preside over the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Appalachia Reach Out, 2570 Rockcastle Road, Inez, KY 41224, or online at appalachiareachout.com.
Share tributes and memories with his family at www.grecohertnick.com
Services
Visitation: June 17, 2024 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
First Church of the Nazarene
475 Colliers Way
Weirton, WV 26062
304 723 2343
Celebration of Life: June 17, 2024 6:00 pm
First Church of the Nazarene
475 Colliers Way
Weirton, WV 26062
304 723 2343
Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Ritchie Wade Mills 's name.
David and I were very sorry to learn of Rich’s passing and are lifting you up in prayer as you grieve. Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss.
pam and i would like to extend our condolences to thelma and family on the passing of rich will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers
We’re so sorry to hear of Ritchie’s passing! He was a tremendous person & a joy to work with! All of you are in our thoughts & prayers!
God bless you & bring you peace!
Tom & Kathy Hirkala
May his soul go on living forever.
Cindi Chijner and Rich
Dear Thelma and family,
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rich. May your wonderful memories help to ease the pain during this difficult time.
Sincere sympathy,
Ken and Darla Ogle
Dear Thelma & Family.
Jackie and I were very sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He was such a God fearing man. He always had a smile-a bit of an ornery smile on his face. We all know he is now with Jesus. God Bless.
Rich was such a kind man and I loved hearing him play the organ at church. I will be praying for all of you, Thelma. God bless.
Thelma,
We are so sorry for your loss. Rich’s smile will always be my memory of him.
It was always present.
Frank and Christine Sartor extends our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
We are so blessed and honored to have called him our friend.
Earth has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.
Love you, Thelma
Jim & Jackie Brandolino
I am so sorry to hear about Rich. He was definitely a shining light to everyone. May God bless and comfort all of you. Our sincere condolences to you and the family.
Love and Prayers
Bob and Susan Wilson
Worked with him for many years he truly set an example of what a Christian should be, while in the middle of a steel mill. So glad to have known him! Tim and Brenda Finch
Dear Thelma and family, We were so sorry to hear of Rich’s passing. We will be praying for God to comfort you and your family. Rich was very special and one could feel his goodness just by being around him. May God be with you❤️🙏🙏❤️ Larry and Peggy Blankenship
Thelma
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful obituary! So many things I never knew about him. You both were always so kind to me as I was growing up. Every now and then I would think of you guys. Send love your way!
Becky (Kirkpatrick ) Pittenger
Thelma
So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful obituary! So many things I never knew about him. You both were always so kind to me as I was growing up. Every now and then I would think of you guys. Send love your way!
Becky (Kirkpatrick ) Pittenger
Thelma, Adam, Andrew and families,
Sending our deepest sympathy on the loss of Rich. Keeping your families in our prayers during this difficult time and may Our Lord comfort you.
Love you and sending prayers for a supernatural peace. May God provide His comfort during this time and the days ahead.
Thelma my sweet friend, I can’t be more grateful for having the chance to know you & Rich & share in work & witness. I appreciate his soft manner & Christ-like character, but my favorite memory is seeing him smile. Some people just feel like “home” and that’s how you two made me feel. I will miss just knowing that he’s here and will pray for your journey that continues without him at your side. I believe that you are a part of each other & will always carry that gift of love, regardless. He leaves SO many lives the better for having known him. I will cherish his memory always. Mucho love to you my amiga. ❤️
To the Mills Family, sorry to hear of Ritchie’s passing. My prayers and encouragement I send to all of you. As many have said, I have enjoyed every conversation Ritchie and I shared about service to our Lord and about work. He was always hopeful and positive. His smile and his outlook was always an encouragement to me and everyone around him.
Rest on high, Ritchie, you made a difference and I look forward to meeting you again on the other side.
To the Mills family,
I worked with Rich in the tin mill. He was a fine Christian man. Always had a smile on his face. So sorry to hear of his passing.
God bless, John Saggio
Sorry for the loss of your husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.🙏🏾