Gilbert Andrew Mills, 100, formerly of Washington, Iowa, died Friday, February, 25, 2011, at the Muse-Norris Hospice inpatient unit, in Mason City, Iowa. Gilbert was born in Salem, Iowa, on January 21, 1911, the son of Sarah (Peterson) and Jesse Mills. He married Maurine Matthews on April 25, 1936. His siblings were: Clayton, Chester, Albert, Roy, Sylvia, Ellen, and Bertha.

After attending the Prairie Gem country school, Gilbert worked with his cousin, Sherman Mills, who owned an automotive repair shop in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Sherman taught Gilbert the skills of the automotive trade. He moved to Washington, Iowa, where he worked for his brother-in-law at Fenn Implements and then for Willits Motors as a mechanic.

Shortly after his marriage, Gilbert began his own automotive repair business on North Second in Washington. Later, he was awarded an American Motors Company automotive franchise. He was with American Motors for 35 years before he retired.

Gilbert enjoyed: bowling, golfing, fishing, playing bridge, and many other card games. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Kiwanis, Isaak Walton League, and the Order of Odd Fellows.

Gilbert is survived by his two daughters - Beverley Jane (Richard) Elefson of Lake Ozark, Missouri and Darlene Mae (Nelson) Crabb of Clear Lake, Iowa; 7 grandchildren – Steve (Alla) Elefson, Susan (John) Moriarty, Brad (Chris) Elefson, Amy (Wes) Doyle, Tina (Chris) Martin, Andy (Shawna) Crabb, and Katie (Shawn) Thedos; 13 great-grandchildren; and several special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maurine in 2009, and his four brothers and three sisters.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home in Washington. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 2nd at the funeral home and following services during a time of food and fellowship at the United Methodist Church. Inurnment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church of Washington, Iowa and Hospice of North Iowa, Mason City, Iowa. Online condolences may be sent to the family through the web at www.jonesfh.com .