Kathy Diane Mills

Aug 3, 1948 -

Feb 1, 2026

Eagle River, Alaska, resident Kathy Mills, 77, died peacefully on Feb. 1, 2026, at Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage, Alaska, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Kathy was born in Canton Center, Conn., on Aug. 3, 1948, to Orrin and Robina Mills. While still a young girl her family moved to Boulder, Colo. In 1967, Kathy graduated from Boulder High School.

In 1970, Kathy decided to move to Alaska to be near her older brother Doug and his wife Shirley. They all have fond memories of those early years going to the Fur Rendezvous, attending the Miners and Trappers Ball and watching the start of the Iditarod in downtown Anchorage.

Eventually, Kathy went to work at the University of Alaska and got her own apartment. During her years there she continued her education and attained several degrees.

Kathy's passion in life was quilting. She could turn a piece of fabric into a work of art. Kathy's memory will live on in the many beautiful quilts and wall hangings that she so generously shared with her family and friends.

One of Kathy's colleagues at UAA was a handsome psychologist who fell in love with her. Owen Gourley and Kathy were married in 2001. He was the love of her life. Owen followed Kathy in death in June 2026.

Kathy is survived by stepson, Scot Gourley of Chugiak, Alaska; stepdaughter, Danielle Evans of Anchorage; stepson, Jay Gourley of Chicago, Ill.; brother, Doug and Shirley Mills of Palmer, Alaska; brother, Dave and Cheryl Mills of Connelly Springs, N.C.; sister, Tara and Bob Barrows of Hot Springs, Mo.; and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father, Orrin A. Mills; mother, Robina Mills; and sister, Robin Webb.

The family is planning a celebration of life this summer in Palmer, where they will plant a tree for both Kathy and her sister Robin in their memory.