Obituary of Mabel L. Mitchell

Mabel L Mitchell, 99, was born June 29, 1915 at Ellis Prairie, MO the daughter of Grover Kirkman and Polly (Jones) Kirkman. She died December 10, 2014 at Licking Park Manor. She married Dave C. Mitchell on October 22, 1931. They had three children. Mabel was a member of the Licking United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and had received her 50-year pen. Mabel was a stay-at-home Mother while her children were young. In 1956, she began working at the Licking Schools. During her 27 years, she began as a cook in the high school cafeteria, moved to an aide position in the library and finished her career as a teacher's aide. Mabel loved to travel and visited a majority of the 50 states. A most memorable trip was traveling to Switzerland where she celebrated her 90th birthday. When she wasn't traveling, she spent her days at the Licking Bridge Builders where she served as a volunteer. She was always ready to play games and cards. She was devoted to her family and was always there for them. She was a wonderful cook. At family gatherings, she always prepared everyone's favorite food just the way they liked it. If you asked her to tell you her recipe, she would say, "cook or stir it until it looks right, add a little bit of flour to thicken it or a few dots of butter, pinch of this or that. She provided much laughter for her family with her wonderful sense of humor and a quick wick. She met life's challenges with courage and strength and was an inspiration to her family. She was an independent person and lived alone until the age of 92. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughter, Marie Sue Steward; son, Terry David Mitchell; granddaughter, Gina Michelle McKinney; three sisters and one brother. Surviving her is one daughter, Jane McKinney and husband, Bill; son-in-law, Frank Steward; granddaughter Jana McKinney Rush and husband, Greg; grandson, Rodney Steward and wife Paula, grandson Frank David Steward; granddaughter, Shanon Mitchell Archer; grandson Jason Mitchell and wife, Meagan; great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.