Lee Ann Mills

(From Parker Mortuary)

Lee Ann Mills, age 71, of Carl Junction, Missouri, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025, after a courageous journey through illness. Born on Aug. 15, 1954, to William and Mable Bell, Lee Ann was a woman defined by her resilience and unwavering commitment to those she called "ours."

Her life was rarely easy, marked by hardships that would have broken a lesser spirit. Yet Lee Ann met every struggle with explosive determination. She spent her years paving a better path for the generations that followed her. Whether stretching a paycheck or stretching herself too thin, she always did what had to be done to ensure her family never went without.

Lee Ann’s greatest joy — and her greatest success — was the family she grew. She was a constant fixture at T-ball games, weddings and every milestone in between. She invested everything she had into her daughter and grandchildren, then her great-grandchildren, finding her deepest satisfaction in their achievements. She lived to see her family find the stability and peace that she so tirelessly sought for herself.

Even as her memory faded in her final years, her soul remained tethered to her family. When names were lost to her, the connection remained; she knew her people were "one of us." She leaves behind a foundation of strength that her family will continue to build upon for generations to come.

She is survived by her daughter, Christie Webb, and son-in-law Robert Webb; grandson Nathan Mills and wife Whitney; granddaughter Ashley Walker and husband Corey; as well as great-grandchildren Preston Walker, Jacob Pounds, Ethan Pounds, Hudson Walker, Quinn Mills and Noah Mills and, of course, her long-haired Chihuahua, Lacey. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mable.

The family will hold a celebration of her life for her loved ones from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Dec. 28 at VFW Post 534 (110 East Veterans Way, Joplin, MO 64801).

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that whether you’re into prayers, good vibes or just raising a beer (or a blood mary — her favorite) for your people, save one for Lee Ann.

She’s one of us.

Arrangements are under the direct care of Parker Mortuary in Joplin, MO.