Diane E. Mitchell

In Loving Memory
Elsie "Diane" Mitchell
Elsie "Diane" Mitchell, age 83, a lifelong resident of Colville, Washington passed away on September 17, 2023 at Buena Vista Nursing home in Colville. Diane was born October 12, 1939 in Spokane, Washington, the daughter of Elma (Skoog) Kiesz.
Diane was raised in Colville, but spent some of her best and most imaginative childhood times on Deep Creek's family homestead where she roamed the fields as "Sister Ruby" alongside siblings, friends and cousins including "Julie." Diane attended Colville schools and graduated with the class of 1957 alongside friends she cherished throughout her lifetime. While attending a grange hall dance, Diane was introduced to Wilbur Mitchell. Their introduction quickly grew into love, and on March 3, 1959 they exchanged vows in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. They returned to Colville and began their life and family together in the little house on Gold Creek. In 1970 they excitedly moved into their home in town where Diane had resided since. Diane loved her role as a devoted mom and worked in the home until her children were older. She gathered everyone at the dinner table each night for a home cooked meal, and supported all of her children's many activities and adventures. When Diane chose to work outside the home, she enjoyed her time at Coulter's Jewelry store and worked at Pinewood Nursing home for a short time as well. Wilbur preceded her death on September 5, 1998. Diane remained in the home with the gentle care of her family, until just recently when a rapid decline in health required rehabilitation and elevated care at Buena Vista.
Diane dearly loved her grandchildren as they loved their Grandma / Grammy. They found her to be upbeat, very fun, and a heartfelt listener. Diane was also known as "Grandma Diane" as she enjoyed and attended school events in support of the many children she adopted into her loving arms along the way. She always decorated the house at Christmas, with several trees flocked by Wilbur, and loved her family being "home" for the holiday. Diane organized meals and merit badges as a boy scout mom. She played the piano with a flare and passed her musical talents down through the family generation. Two weeks each summer were set aside for family road trips where they adventured to different destination from Canada to California. She loved going on local scenic drives as well, growing flowers, and babysitting the fawns sleeping in her yard. During the Memorial Day season, Diane visited and cared for family graves throughout the area. Her home was always open to her special friends and family who enjoyed coffee from her "restaurant style" coffee pot, her infectious laughter and visiting for hours. Diane joined her bowling friends in league and on many laughter filled tournament trips. She also helped in the community through ticket taking at athletic events, working the election voting centers, and walking in Relay For Life.
Diane was preceded in death by her husband, Wilbur; son, Roger; brother, Doug; and her precious mom, Elma. She is survived by her daughter Heidi Dickinson (Richard) of Olympia, Washington; son Jeff Mitchell (Debi) of Colville, Washington; daughter in law, Susie Mitchell of Eugene, Oregon, sisters Mary Ann Bayley and Betty Hamilton; grandchildren Elena, Quinn, Angelina, Patrick and Austin, and a host of extended family and friends.
The funeral service for Mrs. Diane Mitchell will begin at 11:00 a.m., Friday October 6, 2023 at the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, Washington. The graveside service and vault interment will follow at the Mountain View Park Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, Wilbur. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude's or the Union Gospel Mission. Please visit the on-line memorial and sign the guest book at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.