Charles Mills

Charles (Chuck) Louis Mills, 77, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 15, 2026, at his "log home" in Sandy Oregon-with his beloved wife and devoted caretaker, Kicia, by his side. His lifelong dream was to own a log cabin, a dream he fulfilled in the home they lovingly called their "piece of heaven."

Chuck was born on December 20, 1948, in Longview, Washington. He was the oldest of five children born to Marshall and Mariesa (Marisa Micheletti). He graduated from Franklin High School in 1967 and went on to attend Warner Pacific College. While on a break from his studies, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. During his service, he achieved the rank of Sergeant (E - 5) and earned a commendation medal, along with distinctions as a sharpshooter, expert rifleman, and expert machine gunner.

After he returned home, he married his first wife, Lorraine, with whom he welcomed his firstborn daughter, Natalie. Chuck embraced life completely and pursued a wide variety of interests. Over the years, there was nothing he didn't do. From being a pool captain, owning the "Luv Boat”; a vintage 31’ Chris Craft cabin cruiser, to owning the Pacific Aquarium fish store. He approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm, always eager to try something new.

In 1995, Chuck met the love of his life, Kicia. As neighbors, their story began when he saw her butt; which was followed with a simple, but unforgettable gesture ~ a loaf of homemade bread and an invitation to dinner he prepared himself. From that moment on their lives were forever intertwined and the rest is history.

Through their union, Chuck welcomed his step daughters, Alea and Kamella into his heart, and Kicia welcomed Natalie in hers, and together in 1998, they were blessed with their daughter, Hannah.

Chuck was a true fighter ~ an incredible "warrior king". He battled and overcame cancer four times. Even after losing his
ability to speak, eat, or drink, due to the lasting effects of radiation, he continued to find joy in life's simplest moments, especially those spent with his family. His smile remained constant, reflecting his resilient spirit.

He had a deep love for music; which is evident in his extensive playlist of over 3000+ songs. He took great pride in his ability to cook without recipes, as a self-taught creative and imaginative chef, and landscaping, where he took satisfaction in creating beauty with his hands. Whether in the kitchen or outdoors, he brought warmth, care, and creativity to everything he did. He also had a deep curiosity about science and the universe. There was rarely a person or animal who didn't love him.

Chuck was preceded in death by Marshall and Marisa, Lorraine, Alea, and his treasured German shepherd Panther.

He is survived by his last love in life, his wife Kicia; his daughters Natalie “My Natalie” Mueller and Hannah “My Precious” Mills, his stepdaughter Kamella (Seth) Yankee, his sisters Patricia “Tootiez” (Ron) Cascisa, Linda “Ninny” (Ric) Little, Carla (Danny) Wrought, and his brother David Mills; his grandchildren, Kendyll and Morgan Mueller, Tanner and Emmett Yankee, his granddog Phantom Mills, 2 nephews and 6 nieces, as well as several grand nieces and nephews.

Above all, Chuck valued family. He will be forever remembered for his entertaining presence, unforgettable storytelling, his amazing talents, his humor and quick wit, and especially the way he showed love to his "honey" Kicia.

Chuck will be deeply deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew his warm heart, fighting spirit, and the love he gave to family, friends and animals. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the memories he left with them...

And as Chuck would say it's been a "hell of a ride."