Obituary of Clara Mitchell

Clara Elizabeth Mitchell Clara Elizabeth Mitchell passed away January 2, 2012 at Panorama City Convalescent & Rehabilitation Center. She was born July 10, 1918, in Highland Park, Michigan to Basil Mays Spring and Elizabeth May Pallister Spring. Clara grew up in Highland Park, Michigan but graduated from Nunda High School in Nunda, New York in 1935. In 1937, she graduated from Highland Park Junior College. Prior to her marriage, Clara worked for Parke Davis in Detroit, Michigan. On June 5, 1942, Clara married Robert Paul Mitchell in Highland Park, Michigan. Clara lived in many areas while supporting the naval career of her husband – New York City, Boston, West Seattle, Bremerton, Mercer Island, Manitowoc Wisconsin, Avon Lake Ohio, Sturgeon Bay Wisconson, Bainbridge Island, Sasebo Japan, and Newport Beach California. She lived on Bainbridge from 1967 to 2003, and then moved to Panorama City in Lacey, where she lived until her death. Clara enjoyed the fine arts. She studied art history at the University of Washington, and served as a docent for the Seattle Art Museum. She was registered with the Sogetsu School of Flower Arranging (Ikebana), and a member of the Seattle and Kitsap County Weaver Guilds. Clara was very active in the community. She served as the deacon with the Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, and ran the church library for many years. She was an active member of the Port Madison Yacht Club. She was a member of the PEO Club of Bainbridge Island and Panorama city. She also received the Paul Harris Fellow Award from the Bainbridge Island Rotary Club. Her hobbies included sailing, traveling, gardening, weaving, and flower arranging. Clara is survived by her daughter Marilyn Anne (Ronald) Bolstad (Ashland OR) and son Kenneth Robert (Diane) Mitchell (Lacey WA); eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother Basil. In lieu of flowers, you may send gifts to the memorial fund of the United Churches at 110 11th Avenue SE, Olympia WA 98501, Cottey College, or your favorite charity.