Barbara L. Mitchell

Monday, October 15, 2018
Barbara L. Mitchell

Barbara L. Mitchell, 93, formerly of Topeka, Kan., passed away on Oct. 11, 2018 in Omaha, Neb.

She was born on Sept. 10, 1925 in Emporia, Kan., the daughter of Edwin and Edna Kraus. She graduated from Emporia High School.

Barbara married Donald L. Mitchell on Aug. 2, 1947 at First Christian Church in Emporia, Kan. He preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 2010.

She was also preceded in death by her sister, Aloha Preston.

Survivors include a sister, Juanita Pratt of Wichita Falls, Texas; three daughters, Debbi (Dennis) Schmidt of Wichita Falls, Texas, Donni (Dr. David) Benson of Overland Park, Kan., Carla (Jeff) Brown of Omaha, Neb.; one son, Dr. Stephen (Diana) Mitchell, Sr. of Fort Scott, Kan.; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, and two more on the way.

Barbara enjoyed playing golf for most of her life. She was proud to have had two holes in one, and to have played in the Kansas Pro-Am Tournament.

She was very crafty and loved to spend time knitting and sewing, as well as painting and reading. She was a very talented artist, and enjoyed helping Don with his woodworking shop. Together they created many beautiful pieces that they shared with their family and friends.

She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company as a Telephone Operator, Pittsburg State as a secretary, and Washburn University at the HPER Building for Helen Hocker as an equipment manager and administrative assistant. During their later years Barbara and Don traveled with friends to different golf courses around the country.

Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library 1515 S.W. 10th Topeka, KS 66604.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 in the Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 17th & Fairlawn. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will host a reception immediately following the burial in the Mount Hope Foyer, lunch will be served.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting the family. To leave a message for the family online please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.