Ruby Etta Mitchell "Grandmother" was born Jan. 24, 1936, and died Dec. 28, 2021.
Born in Mills County, to Verdis and Henrietta Ratliff being the first of two children which was completed when her brother Larry was born. She grew up in Stanton, graduating from Stanton High School, shortly after she met and then married the love of her life Wade Mitchell on Apr. 24, 1954, which started the foundation for their amazing family. Upon Wade's return from his service in the United States Army they moved to Andrews, relocating to Stanton and then to their final life residency in Midland.
Funeral services were Jan. 4, at Fairmont Park Church of Christ and interment was at Resthaven.
She attended Midland College and prided herself with bookkeeping positions for Midland County and JC Penny. Wade purchased Petro Communications in the late 70's where she held various positions continuing as the office manager until her retirement from Petro in the early 1990's. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ beginning in Ft. Worth & Jax congregation before she and Wade came to their Fairmont Park Church of Christ family in Midland which led to amazing and loving fellowship, with strong friendships with all, and especially the "Banditos Group", where laughter and true friendships abound.
She loved the travel she and Wade did that included memorable trips to Hawaii, and one of her favorites which was the Alaskan Cruise they shared. Some of the most memorable times were made with "Cousin Camps" where they would take every grandchild all together for weekend trips to their loved lake area in Colorado City, as well as the many special Easter celebrations at the lake, and Christmas overnights with the grandchildren. She loved and cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and the love they have for Grandmother will be with them forever. She was so generous with herself to help others, she worked to bring the program for Christian Ministry to Incarcerated Women within Midland County. While she enjoyed her cooking, along with all things involving a needle and thread, from quilting to crochet. She also found comfort with pleasure from painting and the sounds of the many birds she provided homes for.
Survivors include her children Allen Mitchell, Mike Mitchell (wife Gayle), Debbie Sawyer, and Charity Black; grandchildren Jerrod Sawyer (wife Tricia), Timothy Mitchell (wife Heather), Jason Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell (wife Caitlin), Patrick Mitchell (Lisa), Rusty Mitchell (wife Crystal), Michelle Green (husband Ryan), Claudia Black, Isaac Black, Emily Black, Macy Mikeska; great grandchildren Kaileigha Sawyer, Micah Sawyer, Noah Sawyer, Nehemiah Sawyer, Cordeleigha Sawyer, Elizabeth Mitchell, Rachel Mitchell, Alice Mitchell, Khloe Mitchell, Jackson Mitchell, Logan Mitchell.
She will be missed and valued for eternity by her childhood and lifelong friend Zelda Henley. "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" Revelation 21:4
She was preceded in death by her husband Wade in 2016, brother Larry Ratliff, daughter in law Charlotte Mitchell and first-born grandson Tommy Sawyer all in 2019.
Pallbearers were her grandsons Timothy, Kevin, Jason, Patrick, Rusty, Jerrod and Isaac.
Arrangements were under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.