Cheryl Mills, 68, of Morrison, IL, died Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at her home in Morrison.
Cheryl was born November 13, 1957, in Elgin, IL, the daughter of Donald L. “Duke” and Linda L. (Bartels) Ballard. She attended Erie, IL, grade schools and graduated from Erie High School. Cheryl was first married to Patrick Carney, and together they had one daughter, Stevie-Renee. On November 13, 1990, she married Rodney W. Mills. They shared nearly 36 years together and were blessed with a daughter, Casey-Michelle. Cheryl worked at GE for many years, before later joining Elkay Manufacturing in Savanna, IL, where she remained until her retirement. She took great pride in her home and especially in caring for her family. Cheryl treasured time spent with her friends and loved ones, and she and Rodney had been making the most of their retirement together. They especially looked forward to attending Chicago Cubs games, often joined by friends or their grandchildren, and sharing those special outings together. Cheryl had a lifelong passion for dogs and treasured their companionship. Above all, her four grandchildren were her greatest source of pride and held a very special place in her heart.
Survivors include her husband, Rodney; daughters, Casey-Michelle Mills and Stevie-Renee Carney, both of Morrison; four grandchildren, Ryleigh-Lynn and Reid Hill, and Morgan-Rae Carney and Greyson Church; mother, Linda Ballard of Prophetstown, IL; sisters, Wanda (Brian) McCubbin of Tiffin, IA, and Jill (Myron) Zuidema of Morrison; brother-in-law, Rusty (Kathy) Mills of Morrison; many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Donald L. “Duke” Ballard; brother, Donald L. Ballard, Jr.
Per Cheryl’s wishes, Cremation Rites have been accorded.
There will be no Visitation or Funeral Service.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at King Pins Saloon in Fulton, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
A memorial has been established.