Mary “Ellen” Mitchell passed away peacefully on September 6, 2022. She was born to Elaine and Henry Holquist on February 22, 1947. She graduated from Oak Park River Forrest High School in 1965. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Physical Education.
Many remember Ellen for her passion for fitness as a community aerobics instructor and physical education teacher at Wabash City Schools, where she retired after 43 years of service to the profession. She provided countless women and teens with encouragement and self-confidence to pursue life-long fitness through her work. Ellen additionally enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Her sense of humor and contagious smile will be missed by all who knew her.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Rick Mitchell, her son, Jay (Cait) Mitchell, and daughter, Tara (Andy) Kingsley, along with her five grandchildren. Ellen is also survived by her siblings, Robert Holquist and Sue Holquist Traub. She is preceded in death by her parents and sister, Terri O’Connor.
Visitation hours will be 9:00 – 10:45 am, Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 am at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 Cass Street, Wabash. The family wishes memorial contributions to be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association @ lbda.org/donate, or LBDA 912 Killian Hill Road, S.W. Lilburn, GA 30047.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Mary “Ellen” Mitchell, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.