In November 1996, Mills' health had deteriorated significantly. Despite maximal medication and 24-hour supplemental oxygen, he had severe chest pain requiring frequent emergency visits and hospitalization. Cardiac catherterization revealed that his bypass grafts had all been occluded and new blockages were formed as well. Even though the decision was made several years prior not to do another open heart surgery due to his weak heart, there was no other alternative but to consider surgery again. For such a high risk situation, it was decided to transfer him to Western Heart Institute at St. Mary's Medical Center in San Francisco.      Instead of going by air ambulance, Mills requested to go up by car with the family so that they could enjoy the time together. En route to San Francisco, they sang hymns together, and reminescing on past years and how God had led and guided them throughout their lives. There was so much peace and joy in the car that he had no chest pain for the entire trip of 4 hours. Two days later, surgery was performed without any complications, but the heart was not pumping on its own despite maximal medications and cardiac assisted device, as if God had turned off the switch inside. Without ever waking up from anesthesia, he went to be with the Lord on November 21, 1996.