Barbara Jean Mitchell

“Seeing is believing.” For many, those words simply represent a motto. But for Barbara Jean Mitchell, it summarized in every way who she was. She was modest, quiet and observant, taking in everything around her and always thinking before acting. She was a realist, someone who was efficient and practical in everything she did. She was a friendly person who truly cared about those around her.

She was the daughter of Ralph and Elizabeth Kellinger. Raised in San Fernando Valley, Southern California, she was brought up to be tolerant and trustworthy. As a child, she learned to be conscientious, responsible and punctual. These were all traits that she would carry with her throughout her life.

Growing up, Barbara was one of those children who didn’t need to be in the center of a whirlwind of activity. She was content to entertain herself. Barbara was never pushy when it came to games and other activities, but rather, she was able to enjoy the pure fun these could bring. In just about everything she did as a child, Barbara was intent on pleasing both the adults and the other children around her. Barbara took part in a number of activities as a child.

Barbara enjoyed learning. Barbara was generally quiet in class, learning best through observation. She often showed great concentration and was competent at completing the tasks at hand. Good with details, Barbara was painstaking and accurate in her efforts. All of these talents culminated in a successful high school career. She graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1948.

Most folks would say that Barbara was shy until they got to know her. Those who were privileged to know her well learned that she was a solid, good friend. Barbara was reluctant to generalize about people, and she based her friendships on her personal experiences. Because of this, Barbara best trusted those people that she truly knew. She was concerned about how those around her felt, and she always seemed to uncover the positive side of people. She could relate to others and had the ability to see their point of view, to “walk a mile in their shoes,” as the saying goes. The friends that she made, Barbara kept. While growing up, one of her best friends was Ginger Patterson.

Love can’t be defined but must be experienced. That was so true for Barbara. She was totally committed to William Andrew Mitchell and maintained traditional ideals about marriage. It was as if Barbara naturally sensed her spouse’s needs, and accepted those feelings unconditionally. Although Barbara disliked conflict, she did not take flight from discord, but rather sought to preserve harmony even during the most trying times.

Barbara was a good mother to her children. She had “old fashioned” parental values and could handle typical family conflicts in a fair and calm manner. Because she trusted emotions, Barbara was reluctant to force issues and used gentle persuasion to resolve situations. In this way she seemed to radiate an aura of warmth and caring to those around her, always thinking before acting. In addition, Barbara was a master planner. No matter how hectic life around her might be, she seemed to know and track everyone’s schedule. Barbara was blessed with three children, three sons, Howard, David and William. She was also blessed with six grandchildren and one great grandson, James, Scott, Erin, Julie, Matthew and Michael; and great grandson Conner.

If you gave Barbara a deadline, she would meet it. Barbara was always on task. Without hesitation, Barbara could adhere to any assignment and see it through to its completion. Her primary occupation was a housewife and mom. She was able to quickly grasp concrete ideas and could organize and plan the best way to accomplish things with remarkable consistency. Barbara was good at staying on track and was considerate in listening to what others had to say. In this way, Barbara had a true gift for being able to come up with practical resolutions to difficult problems. She was often the team member who managed to put forth a win/win solution for all parties.

Barbara liked to experience things first hand, in addition to simply learning about them. This quality influenced Barbara's choice of leisure time activities. A methodical and patient worker, Barbara preferred to set aside uninterrupted time to work on her hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were gardening. Barbara was content to sit quietly alone, enjoying her hobbies all by herself and could often be found just reading about her favorite pastimes. She was an Eastern Star and White Shrine.

An individual who respected and maintained traditional values, her faith was important to Barbara. Her compassion, consideration and sympathy toward others was evident in her personal beliefs. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Palm Desert and St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Van Nuys.

Anyone who traveled or went on vacation with Barbara had smooth sailing. It was often taken for granted that she was the trip planner. She would start early and examine all of the possibilities, selecting the best and most effective options. Favorite vacations included multiple cruises.

Barbara was as loyal to her pets as they were to her.

Barbara passed away on April 17, 2010 at Brighten Gardens in Rancho Mirage, California. Barbara fought a brave battle against Alzheimer's. She is survived by her three sons, 6 grandchildren and one great grandson. Services will be held at Oakwood Memorial Park Chapel on May 8, 2010 at 1:00 pm. Barbara will laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, California.

It is said that some people can’t see the forest for the trees. Barbara was able to focus on each individual tree, tending to its needs, thus making the forest stronger as a whole. Barbara was a trustworthy, pragmatic and sympathetic person, the kind of woman to whom everyone was drawn. She was thorough and practical. Barbara Mitchell was very literal with her words. You always knew where you stood with Barbara. She will be missed.