David Lee Mills

David “Dave” Mills was born on September 20, 1953, in Yakima, Washington, to James and Dorothy Mills. A lifelong member of the Selah community, Dave built a life centered on family, friendship, sports, and a deep love for the people and places that meant the most to him. Known throughout the valley for his remarkable athletic ability, competitive spirit, quick wit, and incredible memory, Dave leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and countless memories that will be cherished for generations.

Dave attended Selah schools and graduated from Selah High School in 1972. From an early age, it was clear that he was an exceptional athlete. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, earning a reputation throughout the valley for his talent and competitiveness. He also played American Legion baseball, helping his team capture a state championship in 1971.

Dave continued his baseball career at Yakima Valley College (YVC) before transferring to Central Washington University (CWU) to play baseball. It was during his time at YVC that he met a young woman who would become the love of his life, Vicki. Their relationship grew into a lifelong partnership, and on April 23, 1977, Dave and Vicki were married.

His love for sports never faded. Throughout the years, Dave played on numerous softball teams, building friendships and sharing in the thrill of competition. His teams found great success, even advancing to the national level. Whether on the baseball diamond, the softball field, or cheering from the stands, Dave loved the game, the camaraderie, and the memories made along the way.

Shortly after marrying Vicki, Dave began what would become a more than 30-year career with the Selah Post Office, where he proudly worked until his retirement. His knowledge of Selah was legendary. Dave could seemingly recall any name and address in town, and family members loved testing him by calling out names or addresses from the Selah phone book and he knew exactly where they lived.

His career was more than a job; it was another connection to the community he loved. Dave knew the people of Selah, and they knew him. That connection continued long after retirement, when his favorite daily routine became a trip to the TNT in Selah for coffee and breakfast with friends and family.

Those mornings were about far more than coffee. They were filled with conversation, laughter, reminiscing about old stories, bragging about grandchildren, and keeping up with the latest happenings. And, of course, there were the inevitable wagers on West Valley versus Selah. After all, Dave had to defend his grandchildren, who had somehow ended up being raised in West Valley, the ultimate betrayal for a proud Selah man!

Dave and Vicki welcomed two children, Kyle Mills, born June 6, 1984, and Brean Garcia, born March 11, 1986. Being a husband and father was one of the great joys of Dave’s life, and he took tremendous pride in watching his children grow and pursue their own athletic passions.

He coached Kyle when he was young and delighted in watching him play baseball throughout his childhood and high school years, as well as during his time at YVC. He was equally proud of Brean, cheering her on in softball and basketball throughout her childhood and her years at Selah High School. Dave was always happiest when he could be there to support his children, celebrate their accomplishments, and share in the experiences that made their family memories so special.

His pride only grew when he became a grandfather. Dave adored his six grandchildren: Mikayla, 26; Brody, 21; Parker, 19; Kolby, 17; Quinnlyn, 11; and Aliza, 7. They were a tremendous source of joy, and he loved nothing more than watching them grow, compete, and discover their own interests.

Sports and fishing were two of Dave’s greatest passions, and he was fortunate enough to share both with his grandchildren. He loved watching Mikayla and Quinnlyn play volleyball; Brody and Parker compete in basketball and baseball. He especially treasured fishing adventures with Kolby and time spent enjoying the outdoors together.

Dave also cherished special lunch dates with his granddaughters Quinnlyn and Aliza, accompanied by Dick Pratt with his granddaughters. These moments, along with the games, tournaments, conversations, and adventures shared with all six grandchildren, created a lifetime of memories that his family will hold close forever.

To Dave, being a grandfather meant showing up, coaching loudly from the stands and sharing in their passions, telling stories, giving lots of advice including critiquing their games, and making sure his grandchildren always knew how proud he was of them. His love for them was immeasurable, and his influence will continue to live on in each of their lives.

Some of Dave’s happiest memories were made during family vacations and traditions that brought everyone together. Each summer, the Mills clan gathered for camping at the City Park at Lake Chelan. Those trips became treasured family traditions filled with laughter, stories, and time together, exactly the kind of moments Dave valued most.

He also loved fishing trips with his closest friends, especially Mick Mackey and Randy McKinney. Whether casting a line, enjoying the outdoors, or simply spending time together, those trips were a welcome escape and a reminder of the friendships that meant so much to him.

Dave looked forward to the annual Mills-side boys’ weekend at the cabin at Rimrock Lake every October. Uncles, cousins, nephews, Grandpa, poker games, incredible food, and wild stories made the weekend an enduring tradition. The stories were legendary, and the rule was simple: what happens at the cabin stays at the cabin.

Poker nights at home with his high school buddies and longtime friends were another favorite. He also enjoyed countless games of pinochle, especially with Brian and Rebecca Brownlee and Dave and Peggy Poole. For Dave, the competition was fun, but the real prize was the time spent with the people around the table.

The holidays held a special place in his heart. Christmas Eve was reserved for celebrating with the Kalmin family, and Christmas Day brought the Mills family together. One of his favorite traditions was watching the girls’ gift exchange unfold, especially when the friendly competition grew heated. He loved the laughter, the teasing, and the memories created by simply being together.

Dave and Vicki also enjoyed traveling with their close-knit groups of friends, making memories in Nashville, Maui, Florida, San Diego, Phoenix, Laughlin, Lake Osoyoos, and numerous cruises.

Arizona was another favorite destination, where Dave enjoyed spending time with family and friends at the home of his brother Mike and sister-in-law Brenda and taking in spring training baseball. And while Dave had already experienced a lifetime of adventures, he was especially looking forward to a trip to Cabo with friends in April 2027 to celebrate 50 years of marriage with Vicki, a milestone that would have been a beautiful celebration of their enduring love and life together.

Of course, no account of Dave’s adventures would be complete without mentioning the casino. He made many trips, rarely coming out on top, but that never dampened his enthusiasm. He remained a fierce competitor on the slots and was always ready with his best piece of gambling advice: “Never hit max bet.” It was classic Dave, practical, confident, and always ready to share a little wisdom.

Dave’s life was defined not only by the things he did, but by the people he brought together. He had a gift for making connections, keeping friendships alive, remembering the details others forgot, and turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. He loved to talk, laugh, reminisce, compete, and celebrate the accomplishments of those around him.

His friends were an extension of his family, and his family was his greatest pride. Whether he was gathered around a poker table, sharing coffee at the TNT, watching a grandchild compete, fishing with friends, camping at Lake Chelan, or telling stories at the Rimrock cabin, Dave was exactly where he wanted to be: surrounded by people he loved.

He was a proud Selah native, a gifted athlete, a devoted husband, a loving father, an adoring grandfather, a loyal friend, and a man who understood that the best parts of life are the moments shared with others.

Though his family and friends will deeply miss his familiar voice, his stories, his competitive nature, his humor, and his presence, the memories he created will remain a lasting part of their lives. His legacy will be found in the family traditions that continue, the friendships that endure, the grandchildren who carry his passions forward, and the countless stories that will be told with smiles and laughter for years to come.

Dave was preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Mills; his brother, Jimmy Mills; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Hank and Lucille Kalmin.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Mills; his brother, Mike Mills (Brenda); sister, Cathy Lake (Rod); sister-in-law, Carol Mills; his loving and devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Vicki Mills; his son, Kyle Mills (Amy); his daughter, Brean Garcia (Jorge); and his six beloved grandchildren, Mikayla, Brody, Parker, Kolby, Quinnlyn, and Aliza. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and an extraordinary circle of friends who were family in every way that mattered.

Dave’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, loyalty, friendship, and family. He will be remembered for the athlete he was, the stories he told, the games he played, the places he loved, and, above all, the people who made his life so meaningful.

He leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who adored him, friendships that stood the test of time, and a legacy that will never be forgotten.

A service celebrating Dave’s life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Selah, Washington.

At the request of the family, we invite everyone to honor Dave by wearing jeans and a flannel shirt.