MITCHELL, Connie

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, Arizona Wednesday, January 30, 2013 Connie Mitchell The always lovable and laughing spirit that was our dear Connie Lou Mitchell, 85, of Wickenburg passed away Jan. 25, after complications of prolonged illness. The only child of Euphemia and Vern Gittins, Connie was born April 19, 1927 in Brigham City, Utah. In her early years, she worked as a clerk in civil service and married Kenneth Woodyatt in 1947. They had many happy years in Willard, Utah, until Ken’s untimely death. In 1979, Connie married Charles Mitchell and later transferred her IRS job to Phoenix. After her retirement, they settled in Cottonwood until it became necessary to return to Logan, Utah, to care for her mother. After her mother’s and husband’s deaths in 1995, Connie returned to her beloved Arizona, where she spent her retirement years with her many friends as the unofficial greeter at the Palm Drive Trailer Ranch in Wickenburg. Connie was an avid photographer intrigued by the landscapes of Arizona. From her Utah roots, she loved nature, the outdoors, and animals. But most of all, she loved people. She always had a listening ear and a good joke to make you laugh. In spite of the health challenges of her later years, she remained an upbeat fun person. She is survived by her two stepsons Edward Mitchell, in Salem, N.H., and Charles Mitchell and his wife Judy Clifford and their son Art in Lompoc, Calif. There will be no service per Connie’s wishes. She will be cremated, and her ashes scattered alongside her husband Charles’ near a favorite spot in Idaho where they spent many wonderful days hiking and camping. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on her behalf to Hospice of the Valley. The family would especially like to thank May Page of Wickenburg, who has been Connie’s guardian angel and longtime friend, and Dr. Diane Juillard and staff along with the doctors and nurses at the Wickenburg Emergency and Infusion Center for their love and exemplary care.