Karen Mitchell left this world as she lived in it, with overwhelming strength, determination and an infectiously positive attitude. She died peacefully at home on the afternoon of June 11th on a beautiful spring day surrounded by her husband and children. She leaves behind a legacy in all of those who were fortunate enough to have known her and the world is undoubtedly a better place for her having spent her all-to-brief time here among us.
She lived her life to the fullest after her cancer diagnosis 10 years ago. She criss-crossed the country by RV and by train, rummage-saled like there was no tomorrow, spent time at the beach and hiked in the mountains, doted on her grandchildren and continued to bring bean salad to every family gathering despite strong objections from family and friends. She had a wonderful sense of humor, rarely had a straight face and treated everyone as a friend. Through all of the cancer treatments and setbacks she continued to radiate positivity, happiness and kept her unwavering faith in God. She lived her last few weeks and months true to form visiting with family and friends, and loving, caring for and sharing memories with those that she would leave behind.
Karen was married to her best friend, high school sweetheart, love of her life, and husband of 50 blissful years, Jeff Mitchell. During their marriage one was seldom seen without the other and they remained sweethearts and soulmates to the very end. Their relationship began over half a century ago with the older and more worldly Karen courting the young Jeffrey Mitchell. In 1968 when she was 18 and he a mere lad of 17, they wed in St. Charles Missouri and set out together on the adventure of a lifetime, moving into a 10’ x 54’ mobile home in Jeff’s parents driveway. Karen worked at GE in Mattoon while Jeff studied at Lakeland College, commuting in a shared 1962 VW Beetle with a broken windshield and no heater.
After working apart for many years Karen and Jeff took a huge leap of faith in 1993 and founded J & K Mitchell, Inc together, a Buick, Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealership in Casey. In 2002 they purchased Mitchell Chevrolet in Greenup, however, General Motors had a “closed point” in Casey and refused to allow them to move the Chevrolet franchise from Greenup. Karen spent over a year negotiating personally with General Motors (who eventually saw it her way) and in 2003 they successfully moved the Chevrolet franchise to their dealership. For 25 years they have swam together against the current appreciating and taking exceptional care of their customers and making a success of a home town dealership in an era of dealership consolidation, selling over 30,000 vehicles to loyal customers from all over the United States.
She leaves behind her husband and love of her life, Jeff Mitchell, son Shane Mitchell and wife Carole Mitchell, Dayton and Zoe Mitchell of Greenup, daughter Kim Shoots and husband Dr. Rob Shoots, Avery and Jackson Shoots of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Kaleb Barnhart and wife Roxy Barnhart of Terre Haute, Indiana; extended family Dick (Kelly) Kuhn, Theron (Peggy) Kuhn, Frank (Pinky) Kuhn, Don Kuhn, Debbie (Pat) Kuhn, Priscilla Schrock, Bud Mitchell and the lovely Patricia “Nana” Mitchell. Karen was preceded in death by her mother, Merle Kuhn, her father, Lowell Kuhn, and her sister, Kay Carlen.
Karen was a 22 year member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Casey and was passionate about charitable organizations, supporting St Judes, St Louis Children’s Hospital and The Lighthouse Mission. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to any of the above in her honor.
We will host a Celebration of Life (Visitation) on Thursday June 14th from 4 to 7 pm at The First Church of the Nazarene in Casey. Funeral services will be Friday June 15 at 10 am, also at The First Church of the Nazarene in Casey, with burial services to follow at the Harmony Cemetery north of Greenup. In honor of her vibrant, colorful, well-lived life, we encourage everyone to forego traditional black funeral/visitation attire in favor of vibrant, colorful clothing as per her request.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of arrangements.
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