Minnie Viola Mitchell was born January 17, 1911 to Henry and Mary Belle Harris Blanca. She grew up on a farm near Canton, Oklahoma. She attended school at Canton. On April 11, 1931 Minnie married Virgil Vernon Mitchell in Enid, Oklahoma. They moved to Eastern Colorado in April of 1931. They farmed until 1938 when they moved to Alamosa, CO. They continued farming there. They then returned to Arapahoe, CO, in 1961, where they continued to farm. They both loved to travel and fish. In 1968 they made a trip that included 20 states and 2 Providences. Minnie was active in the Arapahoe Circle Club, and the WC club. She loved to garden and did a lot of sewing and crafts. In the 30's she was active in playing basketball and softball with the Arapahoe teams. Virgil and Minnie had 2 children, Gerald Leon Mitchell and Ronnie Gene Mitchell. Minnie departed this life at the Cheyenne Manor, in Cheyenne Wells, CO, on August 9, 2008 at the age of 97.


She is survived by her husband Virgil, and by her two sons, Gerald and his wife Diane of Arapahoe, CO; Ronnie and his wife Terri of Rifle, CO; 9 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and other family members, and numerous friends. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers & 4 sisters, and her parents.


Funeral services were held on Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at the Arapahoe Community Church with Pastor Tom Burch officiating. Musicians were Marilyn Boswell and Deana Schwindt and vocalists were Diane Mitchell, Pam Helm, and Marilyn Boswell. Musical selections were God Be With You, In the Garden, Beyond the Sunset, Where Well Never Grow Old, and The Old Rugged Cross. Casketbearers were Greg Martin, Winnie Hull, Travis Hull, Max Waugh, Rex Waugh, Devin Klocker, and Cliff Roberts. Honorary casketbearers were Wendell Hull, Short Allen, Herman Martin, Ray Aldridge, Don Allen, and Ron Howard. Final committal services were held at the Arapahoe Cemetery.


Memorial contributions may be made to the Arapahoe Community Church in care of the Eastern Colorado Bank, PO Box 888, Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810.


Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guest book at www.browfuneraldirectors.com. Visitation and funeral services were entrusted to the care of the Brown Funeral Home in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado.