Alice Elizabeth Mills Tavárez

Alice Elizabeth Mills Tavárez, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 10, 2023 in McAllen, TX. Alice was born on October 15, 1932 in Normal, Illinois, the daughter of Clifford Newton and Erma Davis Mills. Upon graduating from University High School in 1950, she attended South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1954. While working at Sioux Valley Hospital, she met a handsome young intern, Dr. Marvin Tavárez. They married on June 24, 1957 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While Dr. Marvin completed his residency in internal medicine at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas, their first son, Marvin Jr., was born in 1961. They moved to McAllen in 1962, where Dr. Marvin began his private practice. While Alice continued to work as a pharmacist, their second son, Ronald Clifford, was born in 1964. Alice quickly became involved in the McAllen community. She volunteered for numerous organizations, including singing in the choir at First Presbyterian Church of McAllen, the Junior League of McAllen, and serving on the boards of the McAllen International Museum, Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation, and Pan American Round Table. Alice was also a longtime supporter of the Valley Symphony Orchestra. Her hobbies included playing and watching tennis, water and snow skiing, and attending her grandsons various sporting events. Alice is survived by her son Marvin Jr. (Pleasanton, TX); son Ronnie and wife Eva (McAllen, TX), grandsons Vincent Clifford (Austin, TX) and Ryan Alexander (Lubbock, TX); brother-in-law Dr. Hiram Tavárez and wife Kathe (McAllen, TX), and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Robert and Tom Mills. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15 at Kreidler Funeral Home from 5 pm to 7 pm. Following a private family burial, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 16 at First Presbyterian Church of McAllen at 2 pm. Serving as pallbearers are sons Marvin Jr. and Ronnie, grandsons Vincent and Ryan, daughter-in-law Eva, and Warren Whittlesey. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Hiram Tavárez, Dardanella Cardenas, Sally Brace, Steve Mills, Jim Mills, and John Mills. The family suggests, in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be made to Su Casa de Esperanza (8000 Cisne St, Pharr, TX 78577) or The Vannie E. Cook Jr. Cancer Foundation (101 W. Expy 83, McAllen, TX 78503).

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Alice Elizabeth Mills Tavárez

December 10, 2023