Doris Mitchell

Doris Mitchell          

Frankenmuth, MI

Passed away Tuesday m May 2, 2017 at Covenant Cooper; age 93 years.  Doris Williams was born on October 30, 1923 in Milford, MA and was the third of four children of the late William and Julia (Walsh) Williams. She graduated from Milford High School where she played on the girls’ basketball team long before the days of Title IX. Doris then entered nurses training at Worchester Hahnemann Hospital in Worchester, MA. After three years of training, she graduated and then took her state Board Examination upon completion of which she received her license as a registered nurse. Doris then felt the call to serve her country during WWII, so she enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Devans, MA and received her commission as a 2nd Lt. in the Army Nurse Corps.

After basic training at Ft. Devans, she traveled by troop train to Ft. Jackson, SC and the on to New Orleans, LA. There she boarded a ship to Panama where she transferred to a hospital ship bound for the Pacific Theater. Finally, after stopping at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii, she arrived in Manila in the Philippine Islands before being transferred for duty with the 1st Field Hospital on the island of Leyte. It was here that she met her husband to be. After serving about a year on Leyte, she returned to Manila where she served a month before she was eligible to return home and she received an Honorable Discharge as a 1st LT. at Fort Dix, NJ.

Her application to Indiana University to study Public Health was accepted so she went out west to Bloomington, IN. Here she again met that husband to be, Wallace B. Mitchell. After a short courtship, they were married and continued their studies at IU, and eventually started their family. William David Mitchell was their first born. At this point, Doris dedicated herself to being the very best household manager and mom. She excelled in both endeavors during her lifetime. After William came Anne, Janice and Linda. Over time Doris became a Girl Scout Leader, Sunday School Teacher and mentor for the girls. She looked forward to getting in the water at the family cottage on Klinger Lake near Sturgis, MI and having family gatherings at the cottage.

When the children left home, Doris became a volunteer delivering Meals on Wheels for more than 25 years. Already skilled with needle and thread, she learned to quilt. She went on to make beautiful quilts and gave one to each of her children and grandchildren as a wedding present. She also developed skills as a knitter and make many sweaters and afghans. In addition, as a highly skilled seamstress, she designed and produced numerous items of clothing for her children and grandchildren.

Doris was a long time and active member of Ames United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Northeastern Michigan Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club, a lifetime member of IU Alumni Association, and she was a member of American Legion Post 150 and VFW post 2725, both of Frankenmuth, MI.

Doris is survived by her loving husband of 69 years and by their four children; William D. Mitchell, Ann (Lyle) Mather, Janice Mitchell (Robert Wilson), and Linda(Bruce) Rockwell. She is also survived by her 6 grandchildren; Nathan (Nicole) Mather, Emily (Michael) Fine, Bruce (Anne) Rockwell, Jordan Rockwell, Georgia Jean Rockwell and Jefferson Rockwell. Her sister Patricia Gibney of Jacksonville, FL, and eight great grandchildren.

Doris was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard William of Milford, MA, and Robert Williams of Lake Mary, FL.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Ames United Methodist Church, 801 State Street, Saginaw. Rev. Doug Mader will officiate. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. Committal of the remains will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery near Holly, MI at a future date.  Doris’s family will receive visitors at the Cederberg Funeral Home of Frankenmuth, 590 N. Franklin st. on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Girl Scouts of America or a charity of donor’s choice.