Eugenia Millikan Winget

Eugenia Millikan Winget slipped peacefully into the next room on the evening of February 25, 2017, to finally be with her mom. She had been telling me for weeks that her mom (my grandmother) had been sitting and talking to her, had gone into the next room right before I walked in, and would be back soon. Seven years of Alzheimer-induced stories had made me a skeptic, but she was so content and happy that I just smiled and nodded. God has His angels, and my mom followed her's joyfully.

Eugenia (or Gene, as she preferred) was preceded in death by her much-missed mother, Ruth Patterson Millikan and her dad, James Robert Millikan and three siblings: Helen Elizabeth, Thomas Edward, and her oldest brother and her hero, Robert Samuel Millikan. Her surviving sisters are Elaine M. Mathes and Pat M. Brown, both of Dallas, and they remained her staunchest supporters and faithful friends until the end.

Gene was a child of the Great Depression. This, along with her strong family ties, gave her a strength and resiliency that shaped her life. She was independent, unfailingly honest, and had an amazing work ethic. She was also a gifted athlete and loved to tell the story of being tapped to play for the first all-woman baseball league (as in "A League of Their Own"). Unfortunately, her dad didn't think that was an appropriate career move for his oldest daughter, so instead she went to Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., where she graduated in 1946 with an Associate of Arts degree. From there, she went to Southern Methodist University where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Chi Theta honorary business fraternity and graduated with a BBA in 1948. Her professional career spanned 33 years, ending in 1995 after 27 years of service in the Dean's Office of the U.T. Medical School at San Antonio.

Gene leaves another legacy: family and friends that loved her dearly. Missing her is Lisa W. Eubanks (daughter) and George R. Clark, Charles E. Winget (son) and Lisa T. Winget, Robert S. Winget (son) and Lynn S. Winget and Daniel A. Winget (son). The generations continue with grandchildren Jennifer Eubanks, Clint Eubanks, Jesse Clark, Josh Ramzinski, Tanner Winget, Justin Winget, Kensey Winget, and Shelby Winget. Add to that 6 great-grandchildren (Kerra, Skylar, Scarlett, Walker, Jayde and Whitley), and she felt so blessed. Gene loved spending time with family and that also included her nieces (Pam Millikan, Diana Waring, Carol Metz and Ruth Hatherly) and her nephews (Dr. Randy Millikan, Bishop James R. Mathes and David M. Brown). And what is life without a little help from your friends? Gene had old school friends, friends from work, friends from church and life-long neighbor-friends.... and her deepest gratitude went to Elaine D., Yolan H., Patsy W., Beverly L., Eleanor McK., Eleanor R., Shirley L. and her Monday-Tuesday Bridge Groups for their enduring concern and support through the years. The whole Winget Family would also like to thank the incredible staff of the Memory Care Unit of Brookdale Pecan Park in Arlington, Texas, and the caregivers of Envoy Hospice for their patience, cheerful dedication, and for always going above and beyond (thank you Becky, April, ALL of you).

Gene would be the first to say that this life could be tough, but it was all about getting back up and trying again: love and family would persevere to the end. Not surprisingly, her favorite Psalm was the 100th:

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

A memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio) on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.

Interment to follow at St. Mark's Columbarium.

In place of flowers, please consider celebrating Gene's memory by making a donation to an Alzheimer's Research program of your choice.