Patricia Mitchell

1943 - 2025

In loving memory of Patricia Ann Mitchell, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2025.

Born and raised in Butte, Montana, Patricia was the daughter of Jacob and Ellen Brulla (Haapala). She grew up surrounded by family, including her siblings Louise (Clarence) Merzlak, Edward (Joann) Brulla, Jackie (Ralph) Lester, and James Brulla. She graduated from Butte High School and remained proud of her Montana roots throughout her life.

In March 1963, Patricia married the love of her life, Douglas R. Mitchell. Together they built a life full of adventure and devotion as Doug served in the U.S. Navy. Their journey took them to Bremerton, Washington; Escondido, California; and eventually back home to Butte, where they retired in 1979.

Patricia and Doug raised three children: Scott Mitchell of Butte; Ronald (Rachel) Mitchell of the Philippines; and Ellen (Philip) Schwartz of Arizona. Patricia was a devoted mother and grandmother, blessing her family with unconditional love, guidance, and a warm home.

She was the proud grandmother of eight: Ronald R. Mitchell II, Nicholas Mitchell, and Derrick Mitchell of Oregon; McOnim Mitchell of North Dakota; Rod (Sarah) Mitchell of Kentucky; Katherine and Robert Mitchell of the Philippines; Rebbecca Mitchell-McEwen of Arizona; and Tynan Schwartz of Louisiana. She was also going to be a great-grandmother in the summer of 2026.

While Patricia was primarily a homemaker, she also worked at Mountain Bell Telephone Company in Butte and California, Ben Franklin's Cafeteria and Lydia's Restaurant over the years. Known for her creativity and love of crafting, she enjoyed cake decorating, crocheting, solving word puzzles, and making plastic canvas art. Her holiday spirit was always on display-she never missed a chance to decorate her windows each month, with Christmas being her absolute favorite.

Patricia lived with a strong sense of purpose and routine. She cherished her morning coffee stops at Arby's and her daily rituals, always greeting others with kindness and a smile. She lovingly cared for family members throughout her life, including her mother-in-law, Lois (Lee) Johnson, and her sister-in-law, Barbara (Norman) Krum. Though her daughter Ellen tried for years to convince her to move to Arizona, Patricia wouldn't hear of it-she insisted she had to stay to care for her sisters.

Her heart was generous, her spirit unwavering, and her positivity contagious. Patricia had an incredible ability to make friends wherever she went and remained one of the busiest "retired" people anyone could have known.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, her sister Jackie, brothers Ed and Jim, niece Cindy Vook, nephew Dale Lester, countless other nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Per Patricia's wishes, true to her humble nature, there will be no services. She never liked to be the center of attention.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana (BIAMT), P.O. Box 16503, Missoula, MT 59808.

Patricia will be missed beyond measure, but her warmth, wisdom, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.