Ralph Joseph Mitchell

Ralph Joseph Mitchell, 96, of Hannah, died peacefully with his loving family by his side on Aug. 30, 2010, at Southridge Assisted Living in Traverse City. He fought a courageous battle, but in the end his cancer would not be beaten.

Ralph was born Feb. 26, 1914, in Hannah, the second son of Antony Michels and Eva (Knichel) Michels.

Ralph attended St. Mary's of Hannah Grade School and then boarded with a family in Traverse City so he could complete his education at St. Francis High School, graduating in 1932.

Due to his allergies, Ralph was not able to do much farming on the family farm. He instead received on the job training and became an excellent tool and die machinist. He retired from Cone Drive Gear of Traverse City in 1976 after 25 years of employment.

On Feb. 5, 1940, at St. Mary's in Hannah, with Father Flohe officiating, he married Bernadine Marie Forward, who predeceased him on Oct. 2, 1979.

On Oct. 24, 1981, at St Mary's in Hannah, with Father Raymond officiating, he married Lorena (Clouse) Harvey, who predeceased him on Nov. 15, 2001.

After his retirement, Ralph and Bernadine purchased a motor home and traveled extensively throughout the United States.

Ralph and Lorena did some traveling in the motor home, but eventually purchased a winter home in Bradenton, Fla. They enjoyed the ease of traveling with a tour group while visiting Alaska, Hawaii, Nova Scotia, Mexico, Spain, Italy and numerous other destinations.

Ralph led a very rich and full life. He was a generous benefactor to many local charities and several foreign children's orphanages.

"Dad", "Grandpa", "Great Grandpa" and "Uncle Ralph" will be greatly missed by all his loving family members.

Ralph is survived by his and Bernadine's two sons, George (Nancy) Mitchell and Wilbur Mitchell, of Kingsley. He also leaves behind Lorena's sons, John (Katie Sunday) Harvey, of Swartz Creek, James (Barbara) Harvey, of Traverse City, and Jerry (Christine) Harvey, of Muskegon; and daughter, Rosella (Robert) Bieber, of Bradenton, Fla. Ralph also is survived by six grandchildren, Lisa (Paul) Bugajski, Mark (Nikki) Mitchell, Michelle (Aaron) Seiser, Monique (Shawn) Turner, Bill (Jessica) Mitchell and Misty (Ted) Miller; and 15 great-grandchildren. He leaves 14 step grandchildren, John, James and Lorena Harvey, Mike Harvey, Nancy (Jim) Kursh, Debbie (Bruce) Wooters, Brian (Chris) Tithoff, Robert (Denise) Bieber, Brian Bieber, Ronald (Patricia) Rosinski, Cherry (Doug) Orent and Lori Harvey Liette; and 11 step great-grandchildren. He also leaves two nieces, Sandy (Jack) Rodes and Delores Brown; and a nephew, Michael Mitchell.

In addition to his parents and two wives, Ralph also was preceded in death by his siblings, Edwin Mitchell, George P. Mitchell and Eva Clare (Michels) Weber. A sister-in-law, Chloe (Harvey) Mitchell and a brother-in-law, Bernard Weber also predeceased him.

The family wishes to thank all of the staff at Southridge Assisted Living, the staff from Hospice of Michigan and Father Mike who so lovingly cared for him and tended to his physical and spiritual needs. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life and visitation will be held today, Sept. 2, 2010, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a vigil service at 7:30 p.m., at the Covell Funeral Home in Kingsley. A Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be held Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Hannah Catholic Church, 2962 West M-113, Kingsley, with the Rev. Michael P. Connor presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The American Cancer Society, the Father Fred Foundation, St, Mary's Church and School and/or Mass Intentions.

Please share thoughts and memories with the family at Ralph's online guestbook at www.covellkingsley.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Kingsley.