Ron M. Mitchell

RON MITCHELL
1925 - 2024
Former resident and mayor/councilman of Willits, CA, Ronald MacDonald Mitchell
(Mitch), passed away from Parkinson’s disease on January 5, 2024, a month from
celebrating his 99th birthday. His loving wife of a remarkable 76 years, Betty, and family
were by his side. Ron was not only a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved so fully and was loved by so many.

Ron was born February of 1925, in Pacific Grove, CA, to parents James Munro Mitchell
from Huntly, Scotland, and Minerva “Minnie” Warren from Alameda, CA. Ron spent his
early years in Oakland, CA. At age 14, he relocated to Willits to live with family relatives
and attend Willits High School. After graduation, Ron served in the United States Merchant
Marines in the Marshall Islands during World War II.

In April of 1947, Ron married Betty Hayes from Sacramento. They established their
home in Willits where they raised three children: Sandra, Bonnie and Ted. Ron worked
at Willits Redwood Products, owned his own business and retired from Remco. In 1983,
as “empty nesters,” they moved to Ukiah, where they resided for 38 years and in September
of 2021 relocated to Carlsbad (San Diego County), to be closer to family.

Ron was an avid sports fan and especially passionate for the SF 49ers and the SF Giants.
He played baseball during high school and later played on the Willits town teams. It was
said, he left his mark on the baseball diamond where many referred to him as the “old pro.”
He dedicated many years to coaching and working with the youth. He coached Willits Little
League baseball for 17 years. One of his goals and accomplishments was to bring the first
Pop Warner Football Team to Willits, which he coached for eight years. Ron and Betty
loved to travel. Their trip to Huntly, Scotland, was the highlight of their travels. While in
Huntly, they celebrated and honored Ron’s grandparents, John Mitchell and Mary Munro,
with a Mitchell Family Reunion and headstones placed at their graves..

Ron was preceded in death by his lovely daughter, Bonnie (Mitchell) Dunlap, and his sister
and brother-in-law, Evelyn (Jerry) Collier. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his
daughter, Sandra (Joe) Madrigal, Carlsbad, CA; his son, Ted (Jackie) Mitchell, Richland,
WA; his seven grandchildren, Angela (Brian) Clark, Teresa Madrigal, Anthony (Jennie)
Madrigal, Jennifer Rosebrook, Bridget (Peter) Fabrikant, Kyle Mitchell, Shardai Mitchell;
his six great-grandchildren, Lauryn, Ellis, Liliana, Mae, Grace, Jann; his niece and nephew,
Carol (Collier) McClendon, Ukiah, and Ron Collier, Windsor.

Throughout their lives, Ron and Betty enjoyed traveling, gardening, and walking every day.
They were great dancers and their favorite pastime was listening to music - especially the
“crooners”- and Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Ron’s love of family and being together was
the center of his life. Known for a quick-wit, an enduring sense-of-humor and a kindhearted soul, he will be deeply missed.

Ron’s final wish was--in lieu of flowers--consider a donation to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org), or a favorite
charity.

On November 24, 2024, a small intimate family service was held to say “farewell” to
our dad, to our grandpa . . . your grace and love of life remain in our hearts . . . you are
“gone but never forgotten!”

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