Mert Mills, of Hamilton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. She was born in Hamilton on April 12, 1935, the eldest daughter of Mary and Ira Millard Wells. On December 22, 1953, she married Earl Mills, and they honeymooned in Tampa, Florida. 

Mert was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Ira Jr. Wells; and her beloved son, Duke Mills.

Mert is survived by her loving husband, Earl Mills; her four daughters, Vicki (Dennis) Newell, Kim Cipriano, Tammy (Doug) Stidham, and Alyce (Bertch) Jackson, 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her two sisters, Yvonne Moreland of Hamilton and Alyce Brasch of West Chester, Ohio, along with many nieces and nephews she held dear.

Mert often reminded those around her that laughter is the best medicine—and she lived by that belief. She loved nothing more than gathering with the people she cherished and sharing a good laugh. Anyone who knew her knew just how contagious her laughter was; it had a way of lighting up an entire room. Of her many talents, cooking was one of her greatest joys. She was a fabulous cook, well known for her specialties—especially her carrot cake. She also had a keen eye for design and could transform any space into something truly beautiful. Like many women of her generation, Mert learned to do a lot with very little. There was a quiet nobility in that. She raised a family, kept a home, and worked outside the home—all while finding ways to truly live her life. She was a working mother before the term even existed. Mert had a deep appreciation for quality, whether it was fabric, furniture, or food, and she always wanted the very best for her children and grandchildren. She loved music and kept an impressive collection of her favorite artists, including Ray Charles, Herb Alpert, Perry Como, and Andy Williams. If there was a party, Mert was always the life of it. Her legacy lives on in her laughter, her good food, and the deep love she shared so generously with us all.

Gathering of Friends and Family will be held at the Michael J. Colligan Lodge, 20 Hamilton New London Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, on March 21, 2026, beginning at 6:00 pm with words of remembrance at 6:30 pm.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association in Mert's memory.