Charlene Mitchell

Charlene Marie Mitchell, 75, of Great Falls, passed away peacefully at Peace Hospice on March 6, 2016.Charlene had a strong heart, both figuratively and physically. She was admitted into the Peace Hospice program in April of 2014 and was given weeks to live. It was that strong heart, the spirit of a warrior, and a deep love for life that allowed Charlene to remain on this earth an additional two years. Charlene maintained her great sense of humor and positive outlook right down to the end.She was born in Orange, California. Her parents moved to a few different places while she was growing up, one of which was Great Falls. Charlene attended Great Falls High School back in the late 1950's, and although her parents moved her back to California during her teenage years, her love of Montana brought her back to retire in 2002.Charlene worked in restaurant management for Redwood Restaurants in Eureka, California for many years. In 1987, Charlene stopped working in order to care for her son John, who was brain injured in an accident. Family always came first for her.She was a talented tole painter and artist. She enjoyed gardening, canning, RVing, camping, and SHOPPING. She loved the holidays, especially Christmas. Painstakingly shopping for the perfect, meaningful gift was important to Charlene, she was a very giving person. Even while struggling with her own health issues, she crocheted hats for cancer patients, friends and family.Charlene is survived by her husband of 57 years, Terry Mitchell of Great Falls; daughter Debbie Mitchell of Great Falls; granddaughters Brianna Little of Great Falls and Kayla (Ryan) Sharp of Eureka, CA; sister Linda Lancaster of Kansas City, KS; brother-in-law Mike Mitchell, sister-in-law and cousin Jeanette Mitchell both of Santa Cruz, CA; nieces Shannon (Tim) Farley of Eureka, CA, Denise (Brian) Walters of Santa Cruz, CA, Cathy (John) Richey of Aptos, CA, Kelly (Butch) Thomas of Scotts Valley, CA, and Lilly Lancaster of Wisconsin; nephews Scott Mitchell of Santa Cruz, CA, Dan Robertson of Redding, CA, Bob (Terri) Wallis of Arcata, CA, and Larry Tipton of Eureka, CA; and great-grandchildren Jayden Myers and Jaxon Sharp of Eureka, CA.She was preceded in death by her parents; son John Mitchell; brother Tom Robertson; and sister Diana Frost.Charlene was loved dearly, touched many lives and will be missed by many.The family would like to thank their neighbors for the mowing, snow shoveling, visits and care. They would also like to thank Peace Hospice and the special friends Charlene met there. The compassion and joy you brought Charlene will be forever imprinted in our hearts.A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on March 19, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Maxima Cox officiating. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be made to Peace Hospice, 1101 26th St S, Great Falls, MT 59405.