Betty A. Mills

Born July 26, 1923 at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Betty was the first child of T/Sgt. Joseph T. Young and Gussie A. Young (Groff) of San Antonio. She lived on Camp Bullis and Camp Stanley with her parents, attending Leon Springs School, until she was accepted (a year early) into Brackenridge High School in San Antonio where she was Senior Class Vice President, member of the National Honor Society and ROTC Captain/Sponsor Purple Jackets. She was as popular as she was smart. The school year books are full of pictures of Betty leading various activities at the school.

In 1942 she married the love of her life, her husband of 62 years, Frank M. Mills, Jr. They lived in many towns in South Texas including Uvalde, Knippe and San Antonio as he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad. When they returned to San Antonio, Betty took a "part time" job at St. Mary's University which lasted for more than 20 years as "Chief of Staff" for the Music Department while raising four children. Working with Al (Pop) Sturchio, Leo Green, and John Moore, Betty kept the Music Department humming and handled all the details for the annual Fiesta San Antonio Band Festival. She made life-long friends at the University. When she "retired" from St. Mary's, she joined Frank in running the Hausler Hardware Store on the south side of San Antonio until they sold the store in 1981.

Betty will always be remembered for her radiant smile, her warmth and her love for her family and for her friends. She was an avid gardener well ahead of the green movement. Betty grew and harvested everything that could survive South Texas drought. She was a phenomenal cook, baker and seamstress. She is survived by her children: son, David Frank Mills (Lee); son, Michael Edward (Linda)Mills; daughter, Linda Mills (John) Graham; daughter, Sharon Marie (Chris) Stanush; grandsons: Daniel (Kimberly) Stanush and Michael Stanush, and Justin Mills; and brother, Russell Young. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank; her parents; her sister, Gertrude Goertz. The family wishes to thank numerous friends for their love and support during the last years especially Dr. Richard Clemons, Mariana Vazquez, Maria Cerda and Terri Villarreal.

Betty dedicated herself to her family and she was selfless in her devotion to them.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 24th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Porter Loring on McCullough.

On Wednesday, May 25th at 9:00 AM, Graveside Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at 10:30 AM in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough.