Madge Bills Mickler

Madge was born on December 27, 1932, in Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Mary Dumas and Robert Bills. Her father was a geophysicist, which required the family to relocate year after year. As a result, Madge never attended the same school for more than a year, constantly adapting to new classrooms, teachers, and friends. The frequent moves led to her skipping the fifth grade, as her academic progress often placed her ahead of her classmates.

By the time she reached high school, the family’s many relocations prompted a different decision. Recognizing the importance of stability, she was given the rare opportunity to choose where she wanted to live and finish her schooling. Madge selected Beeville, where her aunt and uncle lived, finding there a sense of home and belonging. She was elected Valedictorian and biggest flirt at her high school graduation.

Madge later went on to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she was a proud member of Tri Delta. It was there that she met her husband, Calvin and graduated with a degree in English.

In 1951, she and Calvin married and together they settled in San Antonio. Madge became an active member of the Junior League, and did volunteer work with the Sunshine Cottage School for the Deaf.

Madge was an avid reader who found great joy and comfort in books. In her later years, she developed a love for cross-stitch, spending countless peaceful hours creating beautiful, intricate pieces. Many family members and friends were blessed to receive her treasured cross-stitch Christmas ornaments, each one thoughtfully made and lovingly given — small but lasting reminders of her creativity and generous heart.

Above all, Madge was a loving mother to her two daughters, Dorothy and Madge, guiding them with steady wisdom and unwavering love. She was an especially devoted grandmother to her three grandchildren, who will forever treasure their memories of her warmth, gentle spirit, and the special moments they shared together.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregiver, Ester Bogdan, whose loving and compassionate care over the past two and a half years brought her comfort and happiness greater than we had seen in quite some time.

Madge was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Calvin Mickler, and her parents, Mary Dumas and Robert Bills.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Dorothy Mickler Duhon and Madge Mickler Arnold (Jeff); her cherished grandchildren, Taylor Arnold (Claire), Shelby Redlingshafer (Joseph), and Hallee Arnold; and her treasured great-grandchildren, Anna Madge, Susannah, Joseph, and Ryan. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in each of their accomplishments and milestones.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas 78232. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

Interment will immediately follow at Mission Burial Park South.

Madge will be remembered for her gentle strength, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy of love and kindness will live on through the many lives she touched.