Jeannine “Kim” Patricia (Mills) Rardin, 81, of Austin, Arkansas, formerly of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 10, 1943, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Marion (Swangim) Mills and Victor Mills.
Kim attended Bellville High School before graduating from Mount Vernon High School in 1961. On September 7, 1962, she married the love of her life, Robert Lynn Rardin, and together they built a life filled with devotion, family and unwavering affection. They made their home in Mount Vernon, Ohio, for many years before moving to Austin, Arkansas, in 2022 to be closer to family.
Kim was a dedicated stay-at-home mother for a significant part of her life, devoting herself to raising her children. She later worked as the office manager for a local podiatrist, a role in which she took great pride. Earlier in her career, she ran a daycare from her home and worked as a dental assistant.
She was instrumental in the creation of the Faith Lutheran Christian Preschool alongside its founder, Ruthann Godfrey, and also a long-time, dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
The true passion of Kim’s life was her children and grandchildren, whom she cherished deeply. She lovingly sewed countless dance costumes over the years and attended and volunteered at many swim meets and band concerts. She also enjoyed playing cards, crafting, cooking, and traveling both within the United States and overseas to visit her children and grandchildren, taking great joy in exploring new places and creating lasting memories.
Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Marion (Swangim) Mills, and her father, Victor Mills. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Robert Rardin, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and Austin, Arkansas; and her children, R. Lynn Rardin, Jr. (wife Lynne O’Connell) of Watertown, Massachusetts; Lorey S. (Rardin) Seals (husband Eric Seals) of Atlanta, Georgia; and Amanda M. (Rardin) Peck (husband Jason Peck) of Austin, Arkansas.
She was the proud “nana” of Nathaniel Seals of Wilson, North Carolina; Madison Seals of Morrisville, North Carolina; Joshua Seals (wife Alison Seals) of Huntersville, North Carolina; Ethan Peck of Austin, Texas; and Madalyn Peck of Austin, Arkansas.
Also surviving are her brother, Paul Mills (late wife Barbara Mills) of Mansfield, Ohio; sister, Kathleen (Mills) Metcalf of Mount Vernon, Ohio; and beloved nieces and a nephew.
Kim’s creativity, sense of humor, dedication and love will remain in the hearts of family members and countless others whose lives she touched.
A celebration of Kim’s life will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her honor to Faith Lutheran Christian Preschool (170 Mansfield Ave., Mount Vernon, OH 43050) or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
3 Comments
Love you Uncle Robert. Take care of yourself.
I have many memories of Kim, she was my daughter’s baby sitter and became a good friend. My sincere sympathy to Bob, Amanda, Lory, Lynn and their families.
It was my honor and privilege to be Bob and Kim’s pastor for over 30 years. Her commitment and love for family was unsurpassed I enjoyed our visits together as well. Praying for God’s love to strengthen and encourage you all.
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