Terrance "Terry" Mitchell

Terrance "Terry" Mitchell passed away on February 21, 2022, in Great Falls, Montana at the age of 85. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin to Kenneth and Myrtle (Connor) Mitchell. The family moved to Orange County, California when it was still mostly fields. Terry graduated from Huntington Beach High School and enlisted into the Army shortly after graduation. He later enlisted into the Navy. In 1959, Terry married his childhood neighbor and love of his life, Charlene Robertson. In 1973, Terry left his job at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft and moved to Arcata, CA to enter into the trucking business with his brother-in-law. Terry and Charlene felt that Humboldt County would be a nice place to raise their two children, Debbie and John. Terry was an owner/operator for many years until he sold his truck and drove for Nicholls Trucking in Blue Lake, CA. Terry retired in 2001 and he and Charlene then moved to Great Falls, Montana. Charlene had lived in Great Falls as a teenager and always loved Montana. They bought an RV and were able to do some traveling together across the U.S. until Charlene became ill. Terry was a talented woodworker and he enjoyed making model ships at one time. He was an avid 49ers fan. He enjoyed fishing. He would take Debbie and John fishing to the Mad River almost weekly while they were growing up. Terry lived life on his own terms. As he aged, he insisted on doing things on his own, at times he was downright stubborn about it. He was a perfect and beautiful caregiver to his wife during her illness until her death in 2016. He was able to live independently until his own death. That is exactly how he wanted it. This brings comfort to his family. Terry is survived by his daughter, Debbie Mitchell of Great Falls, MT;granddaughters, Brianna Little of Great Falls, MT and Kayla Sharp of San Diego, CA; brother, Mike Mitchell and sister-in-law, Jeannette Mitchell of Santa Cruz, CA; sister-in-law, Linda Lancaster of Waukesha, WI; nieces, Denise (Brian) Walters of Santa Cruz, CA, Cathy (John) Ritchey of Capitola, CA, Kelly (Butch) Thomas of Santa Cruz, CA, Shannon Farley of Eureka, CA, and Lily Lancaster of Waukesha, WI; nephews, Scott Mitchell of Santa Cruz, CA, Larry Tipton of Eureka, CA, Bob (Terri) Wallis of Arcata, CA, and Dan Robertson of Redding, CA; and great-grandchildren Emlynn, Jayden, Rowen, and Jaxson. Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene; son, John; and his parents. The family would like to thank Terry's neighbors for the snow shoveling, the mowing, and the meals over the years. A special thank you to little Brylee for the soup, the artwork, and for brightening Terry and Charlene's days. They felt truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors. The family would also like to thank the staff at The Great Falls Clinic Hospital, especially Lori, Terry's nurse, who held his hand as he passed. A memorial service will be held at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel on June 10, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with military honors to follow.