Leola Bebee "Lee" Mitchem

1932 - 2008

After a sudden debilitating illness, Leola (Lee) Bebee Mitchem, has gone home to Glory. She took her first breath with our Lord, June 11, 2008.

Lee was born in Manistique, Michigan on March 17, 1932. She grew up in Sault St. Marie, Michigan. She told stories of her nose freezing as she walked to school as a teenager. Lee was very proud of her service in the US military. She was a Drill Sergeant in the Army, and worked in the secretarial pool at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

Her marriage to Cecil E. Hoskin, began her life in Arizona. She worked at Dr. Kling's office in Yuma for several years. After the birth of her daughter, Lynn, she continued to work for Dr. Kling until her husband Cecil, transferred as Deputy Sheriff to Wellton, Arizona. It was here that they had their son, Lyle. When her children were teenagers, she went to work for Braden Machinery in Wellton. This is where she met and married their step-father, Woodrow (Woody) Rodgers. Upon his death, she moved into her father's home and property in Wellton, which she has maintained all these years as her permanent residence. At the time of her death, Lee was living in Yuma with her husband of 15 years, Gale P. Mitchem. Lee and Gale enjoyed going to rock shows, yard sales, and working in their yard. They walked daily, and it was nothing to see her in the fruit trees trimming them, and Gale down below catching the branches. They enjoyed a full life until Lee took ill.

Lee loved the Lord, and served Him always. She was loved by many, and will be missed immensely. She leaves behind her husband, natural children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and countless others who call her by these endearments. She loved children of all ages, and was always visiting the nursing homes and hospitals when she heard of anyone who happened to be there. Whenever there was a need for anything, for any reason, be it birth, illness, death, etc., she was her Lord's helping hand and would be there serving.

Due to her many friends and family members, many of whom are elderly, being scattered throughout the US, we will not be having a formal memorial service. Instead, we request that you make memorial donations in Lee's name to the DAV, the American Heart Institute, the American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, or any other charity of your choice, as she supported many.