Thoma Earline Mitchell (Gaither)

Thoma Earline Mitchell (Gaither)

December 30, 1942— July 24, 2025

On Thursday, July 24, 2025, Thoma E. Mitchell (Gaither) peacefully passed away at her home in Aptos, CA, with her children by her side. She was 82.

Thoma lived in the Watsonville area most of her life, graduating from Watsonville High School in 1960. She was a teacher at Aptos High School and was active in the Watsonville Community Band for almost 50 years. She traveled the world with her husband Tom, gathering friends and stories along the way. She was a beloved mom and grandma, bringing together family and extended family at countless gatherings, including more than 30 years of Mitchell Family Camping and Mitchell Family Thanksgiving weekends.

Thoma was born on December 30, 1942 to parents Bernice and Jim (JT) Gaither. She is survived by her children Patricia Walker (Les), Dan Walker (Sonja), Melinda Kasperson (Randy), Larry Mitchell (Patsy), Sandy Mitchell (Bill), Janice Lewis, her sister Pat Thwing (Gary) and brother James Gaither (Martha), and her 13 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday October 19, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Corralitos Community Center, 35 Browns Valley Road, Corralitos CA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or The Watsonville Community Band.