Christine Diane Mitchell

LAS CRUCES, NM - Christine Diane (Crandall) Mitchell, age 73, formerly of Racine, WI, passed away December 6, 2015, at La Posada Hospice House, Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was born September 8, 1942 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to Willis G. and Frances (Roberts) Crandall. She grew up in Spooner, WI and graduated from Spooner High School in 1960 and attended Eau Claire Vocational College in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. In 1966 she married Eugene Clarence Mitchell (Mitch), to whom she was married until his death in 2007. After moving to Racine, Wisconsin, Chris worked as a statistician at St. Mary's Hospital and retired in 1991 after 27 years there. She made many lifelong friends at St. Mary's and was well known for her sense of humor and for the excellent coordination of social activities for employees. Her family and friends have enjoyed sharing many anecdotes about both Chris' practical jokes and kindnesses. Another of Chris' interests has always been country music, and all through her life she encouraged young and old alike to share their musical talents, chaperoning young musicians to enable them to perform at local venues when they were too young to go to gigs on their own. When Chris and her husband retired, they said goodbye to snow and found their way first to Tucson, then to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where they made new friends and new adventures. When she downsized from a house to an apartment, Chris continued to be at the center of the social whirlwind, coordinating trips to Las Vegas, Green Bay Packers game watching parties, Kentucky Derby parties, and others, and was part of the official welcoming team at Golden Mesa senior living center, where she will be greatly missed. Despite many difficult health challenges, Chris always seemed to find a way to rise to the occasion and was a bright spot in the lives of people across the country. Her wit brought a laugh to many. Chris is survived by her loving son William and grandson Cody, both of Racine, WI; her dear sister Cheryl Stewart, of Lake Mills, WI, nieces and nephews Nicolle Wolff, Jeff Levake, Carrie Mogensen, Rob Mitchell, Mark Fleming and Tom Stewart Jr. Chris also leaves behind many wonderful friends. Especially of note are the kindnesses shown by Chris' close friends Peggy and Stu Devlin, who have been of immeasurable help and guidance to both Chris and her family during this difficult time; her dear friends Susie Maldonado and Karen Pond at Golden Mesa; the Mears Brothers and family, whose music and company over the years brought her great pleasure; the friends and family who were able to visit her during her final years; and the family that adopted her little dog Toby, who gave Chris so much joy. Per Chris' wishes, the family will not hold a memorial service but rather asks that you remember Chris' love of life, her laugh, stubbornness hanging on to life and her generosity. Final arrangements are being managed by Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces, 300 East Boutz Road, Las Cruces, NM 88005 www.bacasfuneralchapels.com 1-575-527-2222