Marla S (Davis) Mills

Marla Sue (Davis) Mills, age 66, of Salem, passed away Sunday, December 11, 2022. She died peacefully at home with hospice care after a year-long battle with terminal brain cancer. Marla was born January 16, 1956, in Salem, IN to Robert L. Davis and Wanda Zink Davis, of Salem, IN. She was a 1974 graduate of Salem High School, a 25-year employee of Child Craft Industries, and a Walmart stocking associate for the last 16 years.

Marla married Rodney Mills on September 5, 1999. She had two daughters, Lynndi (Michael George) Lockenour of Shepherdsville, KY and Kelsey Lockenour, of Salem, IN. In addition, Marla’s accepting, and loving heart meant she welcomed several of her daughters’ friends into her life as bonus children. These include Patrick Regan and his partner of Shepherdsville, KY, Correna (Laurie) Gilstrap Vellner of Linden, IN, Laura (Mike) Whayne of Owensboro, KY, and many others throughout the years.

Marla has three brothers: Danny (Karen) Davis of Salem, IN, Tony Davis of Salem, IN, and David (Eileen) Davis of Sellersburg, IN who stood by her faithfully through her illness. She also leaves behind three nieces and nine nephews as well. These include Jamie (Eric) Wells of Salem, IN, Jeremy Howard of Salem, IN, Ondra (Gary) Crocket of Memphis, IN, Shanda (Mark) Messmer of Jasonville, IN, Daniel Davis of Louisville, KY, Scott (Melody) McDill of Scottsburg, IN, Drew (Brook) McDill of Scottsburg, IN, Dillon (Sierra) Davis of Sellersburg,, IN, Dawson Davis of Sellersburg, IN, Andre (Michael Beumer) Staley of San Antonio, TX, Jake Davis of Salem, IN and Cainen Davis of Salem, IN. Also surviving are the many adoring cousins with whom she spent so much time in her childhood years, loving neighbors, and dedicated co-workers who will miss her dearly.

Marla loved fiercely and with her whole heart. She enjoyed spending time with her friends from the factory, drinking black coffee, listening to 90’s country music, playing euchre, going on adventures with her daughter, and was an avid Golden Girls fan. She also spent time tending to her flowerbeds in the summer and adored her Beagle, Molly. Marla’s greatest goal in life was to become a wife and mother, both of which were her crowning achievements. She was a selfless caretaker for many, strongly valued hard-work, and rarely met a stranger. Her laugh was infectious, her smile contagious, and she had a way of making everyone feel welcomed.

Marla was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Kelsey Mae Lockenour, her oldest brother, Danny Davis, and her father, Robert L. Davis.

Funeral services will be held at Weathers Funeral Home in Salem, IN, at 1PM, Friday, December 16.  Visitation will be Thursday, December 15, from 4-8PM and again on Friday from 10AM-time of service.

Additionally, Marla requested that her funeral be a celebration of life. For this reason, the family kindly suggests everyone in attendance wear their favorite cheetah print or butterfly attire in her honor as these were two things which often brought her joy.

In lieu of gifts, please contact The Washington County Community Foundation.