Elaine Louise Mills, 80, passed away peacefully at her home on September 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on May 8, 1945, in Canon City, Colorado, Elaine lived a life marked by intellect, creativity, and a deep appreciation for the arts and community. A proud graduate of Las Vegas High School Class of 1963, Elaine’s lifelong love of books, art and lifelong learning shaped both her personal passions and professional journey.
She attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and was a pioneering feminist leader who devoted her life to advancing equality and social justice in Nevada. As the founder of the Southern Nevada chapter of the National Organization for Women, she played a central role in bringing the women’s movement to Las Vegas in the early 1970s.
Elaine was a visible and fearless advocate during Nevada’s campaign to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. She testified before the state legislature, organized with grassroots coalitions, and stood alongside national leaders like Gloria Steinem, Maya Miller and Renee Diamond to demand that women’s equality be enshrined in the Constitution.
Beyond her activism, Elaine sought to shape Nevada’s future through public service, even mounting a campaign for the Nevada Board of Regents in 1974. Her leadership and courage inspired countless others to join the fight for gender justice.
Throughout her entire life, Elaine cultivated a deep connection to literature. She began her career at B. Dalton Bookseller, where she served as one of the first female managers for the bookstore chain. Later, as a bookmobile driver for the Clark County Library District, she brought stories directly to the rural Nevada community, reflecting her belief in making knowledge accessible to all.
Elaine’s entrepreneurial spirit led to her co-ownership of the Bookworm Bookstore in Las Vegas, further cementing her role as a champion of reading and literature. When she moved to the Midwest in 1978, her dedication to public service continued in her role as a librarian with the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library. In later years, she expanded her talents into the technology sector first as a trainer at Informix where she traveled the world training others how to use their software. She retired from Sprint where she was a project manager.
Throughout her life, Elaine remained deeply engaged with the world around her. She was an avid reader and movie enthusiast who found joy in exploring art and visiting museums. A passionate supporter of local sports teams, she cheered faithfully for the KC Current soccer team, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Kansas City Royals. She remained closely connected to her family in Italy and enjoyed the stories they shared.
Elaine began her passion for creating art at a very young age. When she was ten she purchased a Kodak-Brownie camera and became an avid photographer. No form of art or medium was foreign to Elaine. From printmaking to watercolors to pottery to acrylic and glitter, she loved to create. Her art ranged from capturing colorful natural settings to bold political statements. She was a strong proponent of social justice and the themes reflected in her art often echoed her view of the world.
Elaine shared her love of art with all around her, including her nephews Joshua and Dylan. Weekend ‘Adventures with Aunt Elaine’ ranged from visiting the Nelson to hamburgers at Fritz’s to horseback riding at Jane’s farm. She adored those two boys and was fiercely proud of them and their accomplishments.
Elaine is lovingly remembered by her sisters Lori Saar (Steve) and Katy Crow (Todd), her nephew Dylan Crow and his partner Kristian Woerner. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hoot and Mary Mills, and her nephew Joshua Crow.
Smart, vibrant, artistic, and courageous—Elaine was loved by many and will be missed greatly. We are sure she was greeted in the afterlife by Joshua and they immediately spoke ‘bout those Chiefs.
Elaine’s legacy is one of determination, vision, and a steadfast belief that equality under the law must be guaranteed for all. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and cherished her. A celebration of life service will be held on December 20, 2025 from 2:00-4:00 with special remarks at 3:00. This will take place at Signature Funerals. 406 E Bannister Rd. KCMO 64131. Elaine requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Operation Breakthrough(https://operationbreakthrough.org/how-you-can-help/financial-support).
I will always cherish the memories of trips she invited Jackie to join in on. Many fun times had by all!!!
Elaine was a beautiful soul whose kindness, compassion and generosity touched everyone she met. She approached life with authenticity, grace and a clear sense of purpose. Her sharp wit and infectious humor brought laughter and joy to those around her. Though she is dearly missed, her spirit and memory will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
Sending my heartfelt love to the family. Im glad Elaine and I re connected.
Finally home with Family.
Im really sorry guys.
Sending love and positivity
To the family.🙏🙏❤️❤️
Elaine was a free spirit 🩷 Her energy and spunky attitude will be missed .
What a terrific tribute this obituary is for our most amazing Elaine Mills! What a woman. Miss her every day. The power and influence of her life remains impactful and treasured.
Elaine was one of the most intelligent people I was proud to call friend. An informed and fierce defender of our democracy, she also excelled as an artist in many mediums. She always encouraged me in my artistic path. Her family is a tight circle of love and support whom she treasured and honored.
I will miss our many visits and conversations about art, books, politics, the latest films streaming and just laughing. I miss our Elaine; kind in soul, and brilliant in mind and wit. Paint that masterpiece, friend.
What a beautiful tribute! I had no idea of all she accomplished prior to meeting her. Wow! I had the pleasure of working with Elaine at Informix. She was always there to help. Her smile and laughter were contagious.
My deepest sympathies to the family. May you treasure all the wonderful memories you have and those that have and will be shared by friends and family over the days ahead.
Eternal rest grant unto Elaine, oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, by the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Elaine had a laugh that filled a room and made you smile. She always put everything she had into everything she did be it work, time with friends , family, art etc. I was fortunate to see her a lot after having worked with her because my kids attended school with her nephews. She could not have been prouder of them and everything her family did! Sending hugs to you all
I’m sorry to learn this, post-life celebration but loved reading every word and all the tributes. I have great memories of Elaine…trips, cooking with my husband, Jack, and celebrating Yellow Dog democrats. Her light will always shine.
Elaine and I were roommates just out of high school, though I graduated from Rancho High and she graduated from Las Vegas High. We were both always book lovers. She was a dynamo and I was not. I last saw her six or eight years ago when she was in Las Vegas for a few days and she called me, and we had a lunch that lasted well into the afternoon, catching up. We had some adventures together, including meeting two famous 60s singers in the Sahara Hotel Coffee Shop, and getting their autographs on a torn silk scarf, mine was Bobby Vinton, but I don’t remember whose signature she got. Elaine took my sister with her and her sister to see the Beatles when I couldn’t get off work, gaining my sister a lot of credibility with her friends. Though we laid our life out in different courses, when we saw each other I always felt like we just picked up from where we last left off. I will miss her andI am so sorry for her family’s loss.