Lavonia "Vonie" M. Mills, 70, of New Springfield, Ohio, passed away at 3:55 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at Hospice of the Valley in Poland, Ohio from complications of pancreatic cancer. She was born September 1, 1938 in Salem, Ohio, the daughter of the late Victor A. and Loduska (Matthews) May. Mrs. Mills was a life long resident of New Springfield. She received her bachelors degree from Youngstown State University and her masters degree from Mt. St. Joseph of Cincinnati. Vonie was employed as a school teacher at North Lima and Columbiana Elementary Schools. She retired in 1996, after teaching for more than 30 years. Vonie was an avid bicyclist and until her retirement she rode to work everyday. Mrs. Mills was a member of the New Springfield Church of God and served as a Sunday school teacher, associate youth director for 25 years, chairperson on the building committee for five years and also served on various other boards in the church. Vonie is survived by her husband Jack H. Mills, whom she married on September 6, 1958. She is also survived by one daughter, Victoria (Joseph) Hasenohr of Hudson, Ohio; two sons, Todd (Cerise) Mills of Columbiana, Ohio, James (Rhonda) Mills of New Middletown, Ohio; and eight grandchildren, Matthew, Mamie, Jacob, Rachel, Victor, Meghan, Maisy and Emma. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at the New Springfield Church of God with Rev. Alan Leach officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2009 and one hour prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2009 all at the New Springfield Church of God. The family suggests that material contributions be made to the New Springfield Church of God building fund.