Marvel Mills

Marvel Marie (Brown) Mills died peacefully, surrounded by family, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow, Nebraska, on January 28, 2026.

Marvel was born to Melton and Helga (Sorensen) Brown on June 4, 1929, near Fairfield, Nebraska. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1946 at the age of 16 and began her teaching career immediately following graduation —launching a lifelong passion for education.

On June 4, 1950, Marvel married Wayne Byard Mills. The couple made their home on a farm near Westerville, Nebraska, and later moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska. They built a life together, founded on faith, hard work, and a profound devotion to one another and their family. Their 75-year marriage was a rare and precious love story that blessed all who knew them. Marvel and Wayne were the proud parents of three children: Diane (John) Farrand, Jim Hartman, and Shelly (Gary) Amsberry.

Marvel dedicated 38 years to educating elementary students. She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma throughout her teaching years. She left a lasting impact on countless children and families. Her retirement years were filled with time spent with family and friends, volunteer service, and active involvement in church life. She was active in the Daughters of the American Revolution, led many bible studies, and loved to travel with her husband, friends, and family. She was always up for a travel adventure!

Marvel enjoyed her home, roses in her garden, and watching the birds. Her deep faith was central to who she was and influenced all who knew her. Marvel was ready to go to heaven and be reunited with her beloved Wayne.

She is survived by her three children, six grandchildren, and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also lovingly remembered by her sister, Leona Williams; brothers-in-law, Paul Mills and Chuck Church; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Happold and Elaine Mills; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; her parents, Melton and Helga Brown; her sister, Betty (Brown) Church; her brother, Lorell Brown; brothers-in-law Harry, Dana, and Ted Mills, and Gene Williams; and sisters-in-law, Ardyth Mills and Donna Mills.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the entire staff at Brookestone View and AseraCare Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and support in caring for Marvel—and her family—during her final days.

A celebration of Marvel’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10:00 at the Broken Bow United Methodist Church with graveside services to follow at Westerville Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026, 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Funeral Home in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Memorials may be directed to Custer County Foundation in support of the Mills-Hartman Scholarship, the VFW Post 3576 Wayne Mills Memorial Scholarship, and the Westerville Cemetery.