Elonna Renee Mills (Grande), 67, passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved her on Monday, August 3, 2026.
Elonna was born on April 3, 1959, in Billings, Montana, and moved to Washington at a very young age. She spent most of her childhood growing up in Lynnwood, Washington, where she attended schools in the Edmonds School District and Lynnwood High School with the Class of 1977.
Known to those closest to her as Renee, Mama Bear, Mom, Grandma, and G.G., Elonna eventually made her home in Skagit County, where she raised her two children and built a life centered around her family.
Elonna earned her cosmetology license in Mount Vernon in 1988 and had a passion for doing hair, nails, and makeup. Throughout her career, she worked in several salons around Skagit County. For a time, she also co-owned a housecleaning business with a close friend. Never afraid of trying something new, she later worked labor jobs in the refinery industry and many other jobs throughout her life. But of all the roles she held, none meant more to Elonna than being a mother and grandmother. Her family was at the heart of her life.
Elonna found happiness in the simple and beautiful things around her. She loved nature, crystals, camping, long walks on the beach, peaceful days at the lake, sunshine, her long natural nails, German chocolate cake, and a large glass of iced tea. She was also a gifted artist, a talent she shared with her mother. Through her paintings, she created something beautiful that her family and friends will be able to treasure for generations.
Elonna leaves behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, creativity, strength, and a heart for helping others. Her presence will be deeply missed, but the love she gave, the memories she created, and the beauty she left behind will remain with those who knew and loved her.
Elonna is survived by her son, Jeremy Duston Grande; her daughter, Correen Renee Almaraz (Mills) and son-in-law, Eddie Almaraz; her grandchildren, Quintin Grande, Mikayla Gonzalez, Curtace Cortez, and Janella Grande; and her step-grandchildren, Isaiah Almaraz and Lexy Miles (Almaraz). Her great-grandchildren, Brielle Eoff, Everly Gonzalez, and Elena Miles; her brothers, Bob Grande and Mark Grande; sister-in-law(s) Denise Grande and Tami Grande; several neices, nephews and many other family members and loved ones whose lives she touched. Elonna was preceded in death by her parents, Rodrick Alan Grande and Mary Lou Grande (Rollins), and her only sister, Lorna Long (Grande).
Elonna's faith remained an important part of the legacy she leaves behind. Two passages of Scripture beautifully reflect the hope and faith with which her family remembers her:
“If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” - Romans 14:8
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7
Funeral arrangements are being made by Kerns Funeral Home. In accordance with Elonna’s wishes, she will be cremated, and her family will hold a private celebration of her life in the coming weeks. Those wishing to offer condolences or share memories of Elonna with her family may do so online at online at www.kernfuneralhome.com
Her race is finished, her faith has been kept, and the love she gave her family will carry on for generations.
