Betty E. Mitchell

BETTY MITCHELL
1929 – 2024
A former resident of Willits, CA, Betty E. Mitchell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on September 2, 2024 at the age of 95. Her
loving family was by her side and find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her
beloved husband, Ron, of a remarkable 76 years.

Born January of 1929, in St. Helena, CA, to parents Ted Hayes and Ellena Clark, Betty was
the third of five children. Her family moved often and settled in the Sacramento area where
she attended school. Through family friends she was introduced to her future husband,
Ron Mitchell, who would soon go off to serve in World War II.

After the war and a first date to a baseball game, Betty and Ron married in April 1947.
They established their home in Willits, where they raised three children: Sandra, Bonnie and
Ted. As a devoted mother and homemaker, Betty enjoyed a full and vibrant life, spending her
time between her family, gardening and creative hobbies. She was an avid reader and enjoyed
collecting a wide variety of books. She was one of the first women hired at the Seaside Lumber
Company in Willits and later worked as a veterinarian’s office assistant. In 1983 as “empty
nesters” Betty and Ron moved to Ukiah and resided there for 38 years and in September of
2021, relocated to Carlsbad (San Diego County) to be closer to family.

Betty was steadfast and determined when she set her mind to something and always dreamed
of attending college. At the age of 57 she enrolled at Santa Rosa Junior College where she
would eventually join a tour group to China, which she recalled as a highlight in her life. Betty
loved to travel and see the world. Several years later, Betty and Ron would travel to Huntly,
Scotland, for a Mitchell Family Reunion to celebrate Ron’s grandparents, John Mitchell and
Mary Munro.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron; her lovely daughter, Bonnie
(Mitchell) Dunlap; and her brothers and sister, Donald, Bradford, Melvin and Opal. She
is survived by her daughter, Sandra (Joe) Madrigal, Carlsbad, CA; her son, Ted (Jackie)
Mitchell, Richland, WA; her seven grandchildren, Angela (Brian) Clark, Teresa Madrigal,
Anthony (Jennie) Madrigal, Jennifer Rosebrook, Bridget (Peter) Fabrikant, Kyle Mitchell,
Shardai Mitchell; her six great-grandchildren, Lauryn, Ellis, Liliana, Mae (Levi) Mazza,
Grace, Jann; her niece and nephew, Carol (Collier) McClendon, Ukiah, and Ron Collier,
Windsor.

Throughout their lives, Betty and Ron enjoyed gardening, traveling and walking every day.
Family meant everything to them. Not only were we family, but we were best friends too.
Betty will be remembered for her gentle spirit and compassion. Despite facing the challenges
of dementia in her later years, she never hesitated in extending a warm hug and saying
“Ohhhh, that’s wonderful!” Her unwavering love and kindness will forever remain in our
hearts. Betty’s final wish, in lieu of flowers was to consider a donation to dementia research or
a favorite charity.

A private graveside service was held on 11/24/2024 at the Willits Cemetery
to say “farewell” to our mom, to our grandma . . . your grace and love of life will remain in our
hearts forever . . . you are “gone but never forgotten!”

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