Hollas

Mildred M. Hollas passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, basked by the glow of a beautiful spring day and surrounded by her loving family.

Mildred was born at home on the family farm in Middle Creek, Texas. She was the oldest of three children born to Alfred and Elsie (Winkler) Hilscher.

As a child Mildred performed the expected duties of a post depression era farm girl, diligently working on the family farm, all the while attending Church and School. In order to bring home a little extra cash she made time, along with her brother Harlan, to pick cotton for their neighbors. Harlan often laments on how hard and fast that she worked, filling her sacks and then helping him to fill his. This hard life was instrumental in developing Mildred’s love for, and devotion to God, and family. Her loyalty, respect, honesty, core values and work ethic were the values that she carried for the rest of her life.

After graduating with honors from Schulenburg High School, Mildred worked for Carnation before going to work for Mayor Herb Schwartz. She waited for the love of her life (and her dad’s favorite man) Armand Hollas, to return home from his military service.

On April 25, 1955 Mildred married Armand Hollas at St. Mary Catholic Church in High Hill. The newlyweds soon moved to Houston, settling in the Oak Forest area, and became members of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. In August of 1956 their son Gerald was born and daughter Janice was born in November 1959, completing this incredible family.

Mildred worked in the banking industry before embarking on a very successful career at Shell Oil Company, a job that she cherished for over 33 years. She rapidly rose through the ranks to attain the prestigious position of Executive Assistant.

Upon retiring from Shell Oil Company, Mildred and Armand made the move back to their hometown and built their dream home in High Hill. They became active members of St. Mary Catholic Church. Mildred was a member of St. Anne’s Society, Catholic Daughters Court 1957 of St. Rose, and the St. Rose Altar Society. She was also a proud member of the American Legion’s Women’s Auxiliary.

To say that Mildred had a passion for Polka dancing would be an understatement. She and Armand were members of The Polka Lovers Klub of America, where they were crowned King and Queen in 1996. They were founding Members of The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum in La Grange and served on the board for many years.

Mildred loved to travel. Vacation trips to San Francisco, New York, and a wonderful trip to Europe were enjoyed. Among Mildred’s favorites were the bus trips that she and Armand took with friends to Louisiana, where she regularly challenged the “one armed bandits.” She hit it big a couple of times, but never let us know when “The House” prevailed. Armand, however, was always thrilled to tell us how riled up she would get about “those dang slot machines” going cold.

As busy as she was, Mildred always found time for her cherished grandchildren, and later on, great grandchildren. She loved the Christmas season and enjoyed having a big family meal before sitting back and watching the family open their gifts. In addition she and Armand travelled many miles to Leon, Harris and Montgomery Counties to support the grandkids. She also had a passion for taking and cataloging pictures of her family and friends. She left us with thousands of memories.

In August of 2005, Armand suffered a life altering stroke, prompting yet another trek for her to traverse in the journey of life. Mildred became Armand’s loving caregiver. She excelled at putting his wants and needs ahead of her own. She was there for him until his death in January of 2023. We were very proud of her!

Her last years were spent at College Place in Schulenburg where she quickly became a favorite of the staff. She rekindled a lot of old friendships while making many new ones.

Mildred is survived by her son, Gerald (Linda) Hollas; daughter, Janice (Steve) Simons; grandchildren, Dan, Tony (Danelle), Aaron (Hannah), Leah and Nathan Hollas; Mandy (Amanda) and Steven (Rachel) Simons; great grandchildren, Myra Hollas, Sophia, Blake and Kiera Hallas, Emma, Kate, Jack and Nora Simons. She is also survived by brother, Harlan (Lily) and sister, Gerri (Bill) Morgan, also numerous nieces and nephews.

Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Armand H. Hollas and her parents Alfred and Elsie (Winkler) Hilscher.

The family would like to thank her special caregivers at College Place and The Schulenburg Regency Nursing Center for taking such great care of her for the last four years.

If you wish, in Mildred’s memory, please feel free to make a donation to The St. Mary Restoration Fund, The Polka Lovers Club of Texas Museum in La Grange, or to the charity of one’s choice.