Guy L. Mills, Sr.

Guy Leland Mills, Sr., 95, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Broken Bow, Nebraska. For most of his life, the fourth generation Custer County farmer resided in the same house he was born in, 14 miles east of Ansley. Guy was born to Thomas and Belle (Thorn) Mills on September 23, 1929.

Guy grew up on the Clear Creek and attended Deem Country School through the 8th grade and Ansley High, graduating in 1946 at the age of 16.

He married the love of his life, Elsie (Skala) Mills on May 25, 1950, at Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Ravenna, Nebraska. The couple raised five children together: Roberta, Rosalie, Guyla, Guy, Jr., and Alan.

Among his cherished accomplishments was a decision he made in 1962 to quit drinking. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Catholic Church. He was a member of St. Josaphat’s Parish in Loup City, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Guy was a quintessential farmer/rancher, equally adept in both pursuits.

A natural cowboy from an early age, he continued riding horses well into his 80s.

In retirement, at his winter home in Texas, he grew a prized orange tree. Into his nineties, he planted and tended massive gardens.

Guy was a proficient marksman who enjoyed hunting and target practicing with grandsons until two years ago.

He was also an avid reader and student of history, current events, and politics; passions he passed on to family members.

Guy placed great value on education, serving on both the Deem and Ansley school boards. He insisted that all five of his offspring receive higher education.

He remained innovative throughout his life, dedicated to road improvements and building bridges while serving on the township and county boards.

Guy attributed his longevity to his dedication to remaining physically active. He and Elsie first met at a dance in Ravenna and enjoyed dancing over the decades.

Never afraid to try new adventures, he took up golfing after he turned 60. He often traded Levis and cowboy boots for shorts and sneakers, another recreational activity he shared with family members.

Guy was blessed with a long life and with a family who loved him. He enjoyed food prepared by his wife, daughters, and granddaughters and loved breaking bread with others. He was a great conversationalist and made numerous friends throughout his lifetime.

He greatly enjoyed driving his van and checking on his son and grandson’s corn and soybean crops. A highlight this past fall was riding with his son in the combine. The morning of his death, he responded to reports about new calves being born. Until the end of his life, he remained vested in the ag operation.

In addition to his wife, Elsie, Guy leaves five children: daughters Roberta (Mel) Snyder of rural Ansley,  Rosalie Hurt of Seward, Guyla Mills of Wilsonville, sons Guy, Jr., of rural Ansley, and Alan (Robin) of Lincoln; 11 Grandchildren: Michelle (Paul) Gardner of Bellevue, Jessica (Miles) Maseberg of Thedford, Natalie (Bill) Nitzsche of Seward, Nathaniel (Tina) Hurt of Callaway, Daniel (Allison) Snyder of Wahoo, Matthew (Mikayla) Hurt of Juniata, Gary Mills of Ansley, Brian (Devon) Mills of Starkville, MS, James Mills of Arcadia, Madison (Jake) Kettelhut of Lincoln, and Billy Mills of Lincoln; 19 Great Grandchildren, and three Great Great Grandchildren, and one on the way.

Guy is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Rose Nickman, step father-in-law Frank Nickman, and grandson Thomas Hurt.

As Guy’s family mourns his passing, there is great comfort in knowing that the Lord’s faithfulness extends to all generations. (Ps.119:90)

Guy L. Mills, Sr., 95 of Ansley, NE peacefully entered eternity Wednesday, February 12, 2025 in Broken Bow, NE surrounded by his family. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2025 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church in Loup City, NE. Father Richard Piontkowski will Celebrate the Mass. Burial will be held at the Liberty Cemetery near his farm. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2025 at St. Josaphat’s Catholic Church with a Rosary to follow at 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Ansley Memorial Scholarship Fund or Local Fire Department of Choice. Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the Mills’ family can be left athigginsfuneralhomelc.com. The Rosary and Mass will be livestreamed on the funeral home Facebook page. The direct link is http://facebook.com/higgins.funeral.home.loup.city/