Alice Myrtle Mitchell

Alice Mitchell passed away peacefully at age 96 in Oregon City, Oregon February 15, 2018; born Alice Dolph to the late Etta Irene Ellinger on December 21, 1921 in Portland, Oregon , an only child. Apart from time away traveling, she lived her whole life in the Portland area. Her best friend while growing up was a black cat affectionately called Felix, named after the famous cartoon cat of the times. He helped her navigate the challenging times of the Great Depression and remained her good friend for 17 years. She graduated from West Linn High School and 3 years later wed Robert C. Mitchell. Married sixty-three years, she was proceeded in death by her husband, who passed over in 2004. They had two children, Edward and Roberta. Alice is survived by her daughter Roberta Hill of Sherwood, Oregon. Edward passed away in 2011. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Laurel Thompson of Bluefield, West Virginia; Lisa Knox of Tigard, Oregon; Renee Magus of Sherwood, Oregon; four great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Alice’s main passions in life were caring for her family, gardening and writing. She was an avid reader and classic movie buff. She welcomed the opportunity to work for two years as a volunteer Nurse’s Aide during World War II, and loved every minute of it. During her children’s growing up years, she served six years on the Richmond Grade School PTA, becoming President during the last year. She enjoyed any excuse for a family gathering, cooking delicious dinners and desserts, making sure everyone was happy and well nourished. The family owned a small beach cabin, “The Swamp Girl”, where the spent happy summers and weekends along with their dog Ginger, generating treasured memories. She enjoyed several years as a Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls leader, encouraging her girls to find their spark, lift their voices, and discover their unique interests. After her children were grown, she and her husband spent six months in Great Britain on an exchange program that took place through his career as a police officer. It was one of the highlights of her life and she later wrote a book about their adventure called, “Far Horizon”. The toured Europe for two weeks before returning home. Subsequently they caught the travel bug and went on several cruises. Alice was an active member in garden clubs for many years and won numerous prizes and awards for flower arranging at the annual garden shows. She created and cared for a beautiful rose garden on her backyard. Creative writing classes at her local college occupied several years and during that time she wrote another book based on her childhood experiences, “A Father’s Heart”, which was published.

During the last years of her life she became good friends with another black cat, Leon, who reminded her of Felix and brought her many happy hours.

We are grateful to the caregivers at Willamette Falls Hospital for providing care that brought dignity, compassion and comfort during her final days.

Services will take place privately at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery.