May 27, 1935 – December 12, 2024 Mildred Mathis (Millie) Von Gonten Backus passed away on December 12, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas after a short battle with pneumonia.
Mildred Ann was born on May 27, 1935, in DeKalb, Texas to parents G. B. and Norma Shaw Mathis. Mildred Ann was the last surviving sibling of the Mathis family. Mildred Ann loved her brothers and sisters very much and loved East Texas, especially Dalby Springs. She met her husband, Jim Von Gonten, in Dalby Springs while he was there briefly with Continental Oil Company in 1954 and their happy marriage lasted thirty-four years until Jim’s untimely death in 1988.
Millie was a resident of Shreveport, Louisiana for over 60 years, recently moving to San Antonio to be closer to her daughter and granddaughters in the last few years of her life.
Millie was a member of First United Methodist Church of Shreveport, Louisiana for many years where she sang in the choir. Millie was also a member of PEO Chapter F. She volunteered at Shumpert Grace Home Hospice for twenty years and the Overton Brooks Veterans Hospital in Shreveport. Millie’s favorite past-time was reading the Bible and her many devotional books. She translated the entire Bible into story form. She also loved crossword puzzles and was a wonderful cook. Millie never lost her “sharp mind”, even until her last day. She was very sensitive to others needs and very generous. Millie became known as “Nannie” after her grandchildren were born. She loved her greatgrandchildren dearly, even looking forward to a new birth in April 2025.
The loss of her youngest son, Jeff, in January 2020 brought overwhelming sadness and despair. She leaned heavily on the verse: Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” Mildred Ann was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim Von Gonten and Mr. Samuel W. L Backus. Son Jeff, Sisters: Mrs. Margery Kirkham and husband Kenneth and sons Vern and Ken; Mrs. Willene Robison and husband Bill and daughter Norma Jean; Brothers G.H. Mathis, V.S. Mathis, Louis Mathis Sr. and Gerald B. Mathis.
Nannie is survived by her son, Jimmy Von Gonten and her daughter Cynthia Ann McGill and her husband Randy of San Antonio. Her granddaughters, Dr. Rita Caroline Schaffner and her husband, Eric with children Luke and Kate of San Antonio; Liz Veitschegger and her husband, Andrew with children Adeline and Eleanor of San Antonio; grand-son Ryan James McGill and wife, Katie Villeneuve of Oakland, CA. Aunt Mildred also leaves behind several nieces: Mrs. Angela Tidwell and husband, Gaylon; Mrs. Carolyn Pirkey and husband Randy; Mrs. Debbie Ford and husband Jackie; Mrs. Lisa Lennon and husband Ross. Terri Haubner; Mrs. Cheryl Toth and husband John. Her nephews: Mr. Louis E. Mathis and wife Teresa; Mr. Billy Robison and wife Rhonda; Mr. Blair Smolar and wife Valerie; Mr. Joe Daniel and wife Martha. Millie is also survived by sister-in-law, Mrs. Linda Mathis of Shreveport.
The following verse and hymn exemplify my mother’s life completely: “The last drops of my sacrifice are falling, my time to go has come. I have fought in the good fight; I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:6-7e Blessed-Assurance,-the hymn. by Fanny Crosby, 1873 1 Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine; Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long.
2 Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
3 Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest; Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring. com Arrangements with PORTER LORING MORTUARY NORTH 2102 NORTH LOOP 1604 EAST SAN ANTONIO, TX 78232 – (210) 495-8221
