Born in the village of Lam, in the Black Forest of the Bavarian Alps in Germany on February 1, 1934. She was the daughter of the late Josef and Rosa Fischl Schwarz and grew up in a large family. Following the Korean War, she met her future husband, James E. Mills; married on November 5, 1954, in Mannheim, Germany. She came to the United States as a War Bride, becoming the only member of her family to make America her home; she obtained her US Citizenship in 1960 through the Congress of the United States; House of Representatives in Lawton, Oklahoma.
She began her career as a House Frau before pursuing her dream of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse of which she received her license in 1971 from the State of Ohio Board of Nursing Education. She faithfully served her community as a nurse at Mansfield General Hospital, People's Hospital and Urgent Care where she was known for her compassion, dedication and exceptional care for her patients. Those who knew her remember her as a genuinely caring nurse and even more a caring person. She was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mansfield since 1963 where she also in 1989 was certified as a Stephen Minister. In her later years she joined Crossroads Church of Mansfield. Her strong faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ sustained her through her years until she was called home.
As a young woman, she enjoyed running track in High School, and she was fast. Throughout her life, she stayed outgoing and social, seemingly knowing someone wherever she went. Her warm smile, kind heart, and friendly nature left an impression on everyone she met.
She is survived by her children, Johann (Linda) Mills, Cheryl Simones, Rose Mills, and John “Tommy” (Lanetta) Mills; 15 grandchildren, Joshua Mills, Zacharia Mills, Tonya Lewis, Shannon Wells, Sieglinde Ramirez, John Mills, Jzsanettae Webster, Jzsanbriele Holloway, Jeremy Mills, Tammy Mills, Christopher Mills, Patricia Mills, Cassandra Mills, Timothy Mills and Ernie Mills; 15 great- grandchildren, Jonathon Lewis, Alexander Ramierz, Roman Ramierz, Idlania Webster, Konal Webster, Kalon Webster, Landriel Webster, McKenna Mills, Teagan Mills, Elowynn Mills, Kohen Holloway, Kiyla Holloway, Braedy Holloway, Ayda Mills and Jeremy Noah Mills; and one great-great-grandchild, Mikey Lewis; She also leaves behind two brothers, Hermann Schwarz and Alois Schwarz; one sister, Rosa Brummer and many beloved nieces and nephews, and lots of friends who will miss her dearly.
In addition to her parents, she is proceeded in death by her husband, James E. Mills, daughters, Tina L. Johnson and Barbara Jo Mills; son, James E Mills II; grandchildren, James E. Mills III, Joseph “JJ” Mills and Christy Mills; and son-in-law, Carl Simones, along with her dearest and longtime friend, Elsa Geiss.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 5pm-7pm at Wappner Funeral Directors-Mansfield, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11am at the funeral home with visitation from 9-11am. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gerta’s honor to the VFW and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Wappner Funeral Directors – Mansfield are honored to serve the family of Gerta Franziska Mills.
