Honoring Mrs. Ardane Mills
Mrs. Mills teaches government to first semester students.
Sunday morning took the life of a dedicated and compassionate teacher, Mrs. Ardane Barbour Mills, and sent the school into mourning the next day. Students and staff alike walked the halls with heavy hearts, the gray, foggy weather matching the tone set within classrooms.
Truly an educator at heart, Mills taught government and psychology in Pittsylvania County for twenty seven years, beginning her career with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radford University. She taught at Gretna and Tunstall High School, ending her legacy as a Trojan of ten years. When needed, she also took on the extra hours of helping homebound students. “As a co-worker, she was very dedicated in her classroom,” said Mrs. Tara Mills, “I will remember that Mrs. A. Mills was very adamant about the subject she taught, very passionate about government.”
Along with being a life-long instructor, Mills left behind two children, Shawn and Kristy Mills, and six grandchildren.
“I’ve known her for a long time. She’s been a family friend for a while,” said senior Cassidy Bowles, who met Mills when she took her grandchildren to Whitmell Christian Church. “She was a kind-hearted person who genuinely cared about her students.”
Principal Brian Boles gently broke the news to each of Mrs. Mills’ classes on Monday, February 22, where Mrs. Marcie Gunter will step in for her three government classes until a full-time replacement is found. February 23’s moment of silence was also dedicated to the late teacher, as student and staff’s heads bowed with the weight of her memory.
Just down the hall, Mrs. Rachel Stowe had been friends with Mills for thirty-five years, commenting, “It’s been a lifetime.” She also met Mills through Whitmell Christian Church. “We always had lots to share and talk about. Something was always happening.” Stowe will remember her “as a dear friend and dedicated co-worker.”
Mrs. Gunter, who has been substituting for Mills off and on since early October, plans to help with her three government classes until a full-time substitute is found, saying, “I’m very comfortable subbing for her.” Gunter also made a wreath that currently hangs on Mills’ door, weaved with red and silver thread, honoring A101 and the Trojan who taught within.
Gunter spoke to Mills on Wednesday, February 17, over the phone about the progress of her classes. Mills was quick to thank her, exclaiming, “I’m so thankful for you taking care of my babies!”
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, February 24, from 7-8:30 at Norris Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow the next day on February 25 at 11:00 at the Norris Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Barbour Family Cemetery in Callands.
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Tiffany Bowker is a senior at Tunstall High School and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Trojan Messenger. Tiffany is an active member of the school's...
Jonathan Holcomb • Feb 26, 2016 at 8:24 am
Truly a fine and very caring teacher! I had Mrs. Mills in government my senior year and she was very caring about her students. From helping you with homework or an assignment to helping you with an issue in your personal life, she was willing to do whatever she could. She will definitely be missed in the hearts of not only her current students, but all of her students throughout the years alike.
Kenyon G. Scott • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:51 am
We at Gretna High School extend our sympathy to the members of the Tunstall High School community and join you in mourning the loss of a fine educator. During her tenure at our school, she consistently proved herself to be a caring and conscientious educator who always placed her students’ needs above her own. She was an asset to our faculty and a valued colleague. Thank you for a well written tribute to Ms. Mills.
Kenyon G. Scott
Principal of Gretna High School
Kenyon G. Scott • Feb 25, 2016 at 8:52 am
We at Gretna High School extend our sympathy to the members of the Tunstall High School community and join you in mourning the loss of a fine educator. During her tenure at our school, she consistently proved herself to be a caring and conscientious educator who always placed her students’ needs above her own. She was an asset to our faculty and a valued colleague. Thank you for a well written tribute to Ms. Mills.
Kenyon G. Scott
Principal of Gretna High School
Shawn Mills • Feb 24, 2016 at 8:43 am
My family and I were so moved by this article. Teaching was her life along with her children, but as every body that ever had her as a teacher knows she had hundreds of children. She loved each and every one of you. From the worst student in her class to the best.She literally was a second mother to so many people. Thank you so much for all the love. Every one has a special meaning in life teaching was hers and she embraced it to fullest .
Sincerely ,
Shawn Mills
adviser • Feb 29, 2016 at 2:16 pm
It was a pleasure to write this article about such a dedicated and devoted woman who clearly cared for her students and their well-being in and out of the classroom. She was such an asset to so many people’s lives, so we were honored to cover the topic. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this article.
Sincerely,
Tiffany Bowker
Editor-in-Chief
The Trojan Messenger