Berta Benitez Mills

Berta was born in Ciudad Chihuahua, Mexico and was very proud of her country and heritage. In 1952 she migrated to the United States, being sponsored by her brother Arturo Benitez, to live and work in Los Angeles. As a legal immigrant she carried a green card for over 50 years, and proudly became a US Citizen 15 years ago.

While in LA, she met the love of her life, Philip Mills. Their love, and later marriage, spanned 63 years, until his death February 25th, 2024.

Throughout those years they encouraged each other to accomplish their goals. She supported Phil through seminary as he worked to become an ordained minister, then he helped her continue her education, gaining a masters degree in Psychology.

They loved each other deeply and were devoted to their marriage in the same way that they were devoted to Christ.

With Phil being a Methodist pastor the family moved every 2-3 years, which took them from Hobson, then to Huntly, then Lavina then all the way to Scranton, Kansas. They later moved to Anaconda, then Great Falls, then to Hardin, and Basin, Wyoming. They lived in many different places and made friends in those communities along the way. They finally ended up retiring in Worland, Wyoming.

In the early years Berta raised a couple boys, and as they got older she picked up part time work, eventually going back to school and continuing her education. Berta had a love of learning and a drive to help those around her. She deeply cared about improving the world. She combined these talents when she pursued a career in counseling. She even had her own practice in Worland, Wyoming called Option Life! She and Phil also spent time mentoring kids in schools and always bringing people into the church. She was always ready to council, even up to the end as she was weakening.

Berta joyfully wore her faith on her sleeve; praising God, and sending blessings at each meeting with anyone. She would end phone calls and visits wishing blessings and reminding her loved ones that she was always praying for them, and she was.

Berta also had a passion for the arts and self expression. She found great joy in painting and working with oil pastels. She was also a writer and a poet. You could always find her creating something or planning to create. She published poems and made cards with her artwork. She liked to grow things, too. Her and Phil maintained a robust garden and tended to many house plants.

Berta was welcomed into the kingdom of heaven by her husband Phil, mother Josephina, brothers Sergio and Fernando and sister Maria. She is survived by two sons; Edward Mills and David Mills; brother Arturo (Chaga) Benitez, numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and two great grandchildren Theo and Eira. She is also both preceded and survived by many friends. She had deep community roots in Worland and will be missed by those she loved.

A celebration of life ceremony will be scheduled at a later date.

Go join your beloved husband, mom; thank you for the memories, life and love.