Read Julia "Julie" A Mills's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Julia "Julie" A Mills

Lakewood, CO

1949 - March 24, 2025

1949 - Mar 24, 2025

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Julia Ann “Julie” Mills (Dahlberg), age 75, passed away on March 24, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado. Born in 1949, in Wilmette, Illinois, and adopted by loving parents Henry W. Dahlberg and Patsy Jane Young. Our beloved Julie lived a life marked by creativity, compassion, and spiritual devotion.

Julie’s heart belonged first and foremost to her family. She shared 48 years of marriage with her beloved husband Chuck Mills, spending almost every moment together, in their design work and free time. Their bond was one of persistence, determination, deep love and mutual respect—a partnership that inspired those who knew them. Though Chuck passed before her (just 1 year and 2 weeks prior), their connection remained unbroken in spirit.

Julie is lovingly remembered by her daughter Angela and son-in-law Caleb; dear family friend Vickie (Angela's mom); grandchildren Malachi, Acacia, Ameena, and Haleigh; brother Frank (Gloria); sister Pat (Dan); step-mom Iris, and many others whose lives she touched with kindness and warmth. To them—and to all who knew her—she was more than a "step-mom" or grandmother; she was a welcome friend to all, a guiding light, source of strength, laughter, and unconditional love.

Known affectionately as “Grandma Julie,” she showed up with a smile to every family event, regardless of how she was feeling. She embraced every role in life with grace—from wife, companion, and caregiver to stepmother, grandmother, sister, friend, and advocate—and did so with an open heart. Her presence and gentle sense of humor brought joy and comfort; her quiet wisdom offered solace; and her fierce love left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Julie built a fulfilling career as a certified CAD (computer-aided design) kitchen and bath designer. She took great pride in her work at Timberline Kitchen and Bath, where she dedicated much of her life. Her gratitude for the stability and opportunity to grow professionally was matched only by her deep appreciation for the people she worked alongside—especially Jim Carey (friend and employer of 47 years), his daughter Staci, and her work family and friends.

She loved trips to the cute little town of Central City back in the day with Chuck and long-time friend Barbara, having breakfast and shopping for jewelry and clothes, hosting Christmas Eve dinners with Betty and Fred (and family) and Angela and grandkids, Saturday nights with Chuck visiting their long-time friends Terry and Karen Pedigo, and drives in her cherry red Mazda as she and Chuck visited their favorite park for walks, and neighborhoods during Christmas and Halloween to see the lights and kids trick-or-treating in costume. She treasured long talks with her sister, Pat in Kentucky, and was hoping to visit her and Danny on their beautiful farm again soon.

Julie’s legacy is one of generosity and beauty—both in the spaces she designed and the lives she enriched. The past year has been incredibly difficult for Julie without her love, Chuck, there with her. And she was so grateful to her friends, bible study/mountain lady's group, going to church with Karen, her grief group, and her family for helping her to get through and begin to look to the future. Her memory will continue to inspire those who strive to live as she did: caring deeply, loving fiercely, extending grace freely, and always finding room for just enough mischief.

May Julie now be reunited with Chuck— her “bear”—for their next great adventure together. And may those who remain feel her presence in every act of kindness and every moment of joy.

We love you so much, Jewel! Your light shines on.

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