CAROLYN A. BILLS

Carolyn A. Bills, age 70, of Thorncreek Township, Columbia City, IN passed away at 1:13 am Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN after a 3 month hospitalization following heart surgery. She was born on May 8, 1938 on Cider Mill Road, Smith Township, Whitley County, IN the daughter of Theodore Jacob and Coral A. (Barney) Miller.She was raised in Collins and on Riley Road and attended the Collins School. She then graduated from Churubusco High School with the Class of 1956. She was united in marriage to Larry R. Bills on January 21, 1961 in Fort Wayne, IN by Pastor Hubert E. Miller. After her marriage she lived in Columbia City, then moved near Larwill, IN on Whitley Road and then returned to Columbia City in 1966. In 1975 she moved to her present farm home in Thorncreek Township. She was an active member of Blue River Community Church, where she sang in the church choir, served on the Whitley County 4-H Extension Board, was a former leader of the Thorncreek Shooting Stars, former leader of the Whitley County 4-H Horse and Pony Club and she also served on the advisory Board of the Horse and Pony and Poultry Clubs. She loved anything to do with animals and had a big heart for all people. She formerly owned and operated the Coesse Store, was a clerk at the Hayloft Antique Store, former delivery person for Carriage House Flowers and Gifts and most recently was a greeter at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, all of Columbia City. However, her greatest accomplishment was being a wife and mother. Survivors include her husband of 47 1/2 years, Larry R. Bills, Columbia City; 4 daughters, Teresa (Phillip) Smith, South Whitley, IN, Shelly L. Bills, Ligonier, IN, Carla S. (Mike) McIntosh, Whitestown, IN and Tiffany L. (Joseph) Kinch, Claypool, IN; 1 son, Todd R. Bills, Columbia City, IN; 6 grandchildren including, Clayton Bills, Courtney McIntosh, James McIntosh, Travis McIntosh, Ryan Bills and Kyler Bills; 4 step grandchildren including, Elaina Goins, Lindsay Lieneman, Leslie and Alex Smith; 3 step great grandchildren, Elijah Goins, Reagan and Ronan Lieneman. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Rene Garland Miller, 1 sister, Ardith Ilene Whiteleather and 1 granddaughter, Kelly Joe Bills. Visitation will be held from 2-8:00 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2008 and after noon on Friday, August 8, 2008. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, August 8, 2008 at the funeral home with Pastor Brian Secor of Blue River Community Church officiating. Memorials may be given to the Bills Family Memorial Fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To send family condolences or sign the family guest register, please visit www.demoneygrimes.comClick here to view video tribute**Video may take up to 2 minutes to load.