April Elaine McMillen, 76, of Carlinville, Illinois passed away Wednesday morning, July 16, 2025 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois with her son, daughter and son-in-law by her side.

April was born on April 25, 1949, in Carlinville, Illinois, daughter of Everette “Bris” Bristow and Norma “Jean” (Ward) Evans. April attended school in Litchfield, Illinois. She married John McMillen on August 2, 1968, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Carlinville.

April was preceded in death by her husband, father and in-laws, Vernon and Alberta McMillen. Brother-in-laws, Dennis Selinger, Bill Hudson, Terry and Ronnie McMillen; sister-in-laws, Judy McMillen and Sandy Cramer. Niece, Krista Kirchner and great-niece, Meadow Faith Earp.

In April’s early years she spent a lot of time helping her dad with all kinds of projects. During this time, she learned a lot from him. This is likely how she gained her knowledge to be a ‘Jack of All Trades’.

April loved being crafty and was incredibly talented. In high school Home Economics class, she learned how to sew. April could do almost anything you could imagine when it came to sewing. She also enjoyed crocheting, along with a wide variety of other crafting projects. Something that brought her as much joy as creating her masterpieces was gifting them to her loved ones.

April began making wedding cakes in the mid-90’s. She baked and decorated her daughter’s wedding cake; it was such a hit, she began making wedding cakes for several of her nieces and nephews through the years. She was also a good cook and spent many years hosting family gatherings in her and John’s home. She loved having her family all together.

As mentioned above, April was a ‘Jack of all trades’ and a hard worker. Through the years, she had many types of jobs. In her young years, you would find her babysitting; where she was deeply loved by the children she cared for. She also worked at a beauty shop, where she was able to fulfill her passion of having the trendiest hair styles of the times. Even though, sometimes those hair styles got her sent home from school early back in the 60’s!

After high school, she moved to Washington DC with her young aunt and uncle and was able to experience life away from small town Litchfield. April lived in Springfield, by herself and worked for the state of Illinois.

For years, she worked at the Glove Factory that was located outside of Carlinville. After her daughter was born, she worked at the Bel-Aire Motel part time. In the mid 80’s she worked with her youngest sister, Karen, at her carpet cleaning business.

April was a stay at home mom for many years to care for her young children. However, in the mid 80’s thru early 90’s, she worked full time for the Carlinville School District as the Janitor/School Secretary/Teacher’s Helper at the North School. That was in the early years when the Kindergarten classes were located there. She also worked part of her day at West Elementary School cleaning classrooms after school. She absolutely loved that job; she was loved by her co-workers, children and their families.

After leaving the school district, she continued being a stay at home mom and wife. In the late 90’s she worked a short time at Sullivan’s on the Carlinville Square for something to do once her children were grown.

Well after her children were grown and out of the house, she took on one of her most important roles ever; being a Grandma. In August 2006, Emily Rose was born and once her mom returned to work John and April became her full time “baby sitters” until she was in Kindergarten. They continued picking up Emily after school until she was 10. Then they became the Grandparents/care givers for their youngest granddaughter, Aubrie. April absolutely loved being a Grandma. April was sweet, loving and caring soul.

April is survived by her daughter, Lori Raab; son-in-law, Craig Raab; and granddaughter, Emily Rose Raab, age 18, of Carlinville. A son, Matt McMillen and granddaughter, Aubrie Elaine McMillen, age 8, of Carlinville.

Mother, Norma ‘Jean’ Evans of Carlinville; sisters, Dorothy Selinger, of Palmyra and Karen Mitchell (David) of Conway, Arkansas. Sister-in-law, Debbie Hudson; brother-in-law, Doug Cramer and Tom McMillen and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 21, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am, Monday, July 21, 2025 at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville.

Burial will follow at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Carlinville.

Memorials may be to the Carlinville Food Pantry.

Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.