Esther D Mills

Esther D. Mills, age 79, went home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2024. She was born in Custer, South Dakota and moved to Florida with her parents as a young child. A love for horses led her to the horse farm industry. She managed several thoroughbred farms in Marion county in her lifetime. She also spent several years sacrificing her weekends helping in the hay fields. She did not fear hard physical work and loved the outdoors. She had a passion to hop on "Apache", her favorite horse and go on day, moonlight and weekend trail rides with her friends and daughter. One of her favorite past times was going out to eat. She had great pleasure in dining with friends and family. And sought to eat out and fellowship as often as she could. She liked the simple things in life and lived a life of contentment. Daughter of the late Adrian and Dorothy Deknikker. She is survived by two of her ten siblings, Eddie and Lester DeKnikker; her son, Billy Butler (Rose); daughter, Tammy Horne (Ray); five grandchildren, Candice, Megan, Travis, Bailey and Tyler; and five great grandchildren, Owen, Beckham, Aurora, Evin and Levi. Countryside Funeral Home has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at Oak Griner Baptist Church 6422 NE Jacksonville Rd, Ocala Florida 34479 on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 A.M.