Christina Loretta Mills left this world on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Chris had been battling pain for many years and ultimately had to have both of her hips replaced. The pain continued to get worse, and it was because of this pain that the doctors found the root cause which was an aggressive form of cancer detected in February of this year. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Christina was born in Brooklyn, New York to Emanuel Minardi and Ova Rogers on October 29, 1948. She grew up attending Madalene, a Catholic school in Brooklyn taught by what she described as the stereotypical Catholic Church complete with the knuckle busting nuns with rulers.

From there, she moved with her mother Ova and her brother, Joseph Minardi, to Sallisaw, Oklahoma and what she described later as "one hell of a culture shock". The family then moved to Tulsa where she graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1966. She married Robert Carol Mills and had three children: Robert Alan Mills in 1969, Eric Michael Mills in 1972 and Jeffrey Christopher Mills in 1975. Raising her kids as a single mother, all while attending college and eventually graduating from Oklahoma State University, was one her greatest achievements. She lived for her boys and dedicated her time to supporting their interests. She was a coach, score keeper, team mom to all, and even an umpire! She would later say that she wished she could have provided more for her kids, but if you ask them, they will say they missed out on nothing growing up.

Christina worked as an accountant in Tulsa for Big Heart Pipeline. Her employer closed their offices in 1989, and she relocated her and the family to Dallas, Texas. She thought this move would be a great opportunity for herself and her kids and of course, she was correct. Christina started with her new employer, Jacobsen EZ-GO, a Textron company, leading up the accounting group in their Dallas office. Once her kids were older, she was able to travel to several affiliated offices including stays in Wisconsin and California. It was again her family that brought her back to Dallas where she resided the remainder of her days. Christina eventually left Textron but continued in the golf & turf industry serving as a Controller for Austin Turf & Tractor and finally American Golf Cars where she retired. She loved her profession and she made so many amazing friends along this journey.

Christina enjoyed being an aunt to her nieces Jamie Minardi Harrell and Kim Minardi Atzbach. She loved these girls fiercely and never missed a birthday. She was a great mentor and life coach and was someone that would share her opinion when asked; sometimes even if you didn't ask! She would share her religious, political, and financial views with you as she was very passionate about all three. She was known as Momma Mills for the longest time to those that frequented the Mills' home. She impacted so many young lives and answered so many "life questions". She truly loved and enjoyed being Mom to all. Chris cherished being a mother-in-law to Selso Alcala, Sheila Hamilton Mills, and Mandy Bailey Mills.

In 2004, she made the transition from Momma Mills to Nana Mills once her first grandchild was born. Auston Michael Mills was the first of 5 grandchildren followed by London Michelle Mills, Ella Grace Mills, Lily Catherine Mills, and Noah Preston Mills. Christina loved family time and holidays when everyone could be together. She was especially grateful for the opportunity to re-connect with her family from Brooklyn. Getting to spend time with them in Texas and a visit back to New York was something she loved more than anything. Christina talked about her sisters frequently and it was a dream come true for her to have her boys finally get to meet and spend time with them. Maria Minardi Cuff and Camille Minardi Pavlik were a missing piece of Christina's life and she felt whole again once they re-connected.

Although retired, Christina was not done working and began selling arts and crafts she designed herself. She had one room in her apartment dedicated to making wreaths and decorations for various holidays. She was even figuring out how to make videos online, setting up her website and reserving booths at local craft shows. This love of crafting started because of her involvement with her local church, Ponder United Methodist. This is where she really got to showcase her craft talents by helping to put on Vacation Bible School every year. She loved being a part of this and watching the kids learn about life, love, and faith while also having fun!

Everybody will remember that Christina Mills loved her family, her friends, having fun, making crazy faces/facial expressions, Fox News and her Lord and Savior.

She will be missed, she will be loved, but she will never be forgotten.

Please join us on Saturday May 27 ^th to help us celebrate her great life.

Ponder United Methodist Church

104 Remington Park Ln, Ponder, TX 76259

12:00 Noon

If you are interested in the ceremony but can't attend, a link will be provided so you can watch in real time with us.

If you would like to send floral arrangements, we would ask you send them to the home of Eric & Sheila Mills on Thursday-Friday, May 25-26. We will ensure all arrangements are set up at the ceremony. Thank you so much in advance.

Eric & Sheila Mills

1717 Spinnaker Drive

Denton, TX 76210