Lila Lee Mitchell

Lila Lee Mitchell, age 90, passed away on July 31, 2022, at Legacy of Salina, Kansas.

Lila Lee was born in Palco, Kansas, on June 19, 1932.  She was the second oldest child of Cletus and Lois (Cook) Gibson. She married Richard Mitchell on May 27, 1951, and had 4 children. 

Lila Lee worked as a med aid at the Delphos rest home for several years. After selling the family farm, she moved with Richard to Central City, Nebraska where they owned and operated the Crest Motel for many years. After Richard’s death, she moved to Beloit, Kansas, where she worked at the Super 8 motel. At the age of 79, she ran circles around her younger teammates, and was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Image award for showing pride in her work, her community, and herself. She worked until the age of 80 when retired and moved to Salina. 

She is survived by her brother, Dean Gibson (Arlene); sister-in-law, Denise Gibson; her children, Irvin Mitchell (Jennifer), Terry Mitchell (Elaine), Sharon Henning (Kenny), and Peggy Garst (Ken); 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. 

She is preceded in death by her parents Cletus and Lois Gibson; husband, Richard Mitchell; her brothers, Bobby, Norman, and Bill Gibson; and a grandchild, Brian Garst. 

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on August 6, 2022, at Ryan Mortuary. Burial followed at the Glasco Cemetery where Lila Lee was laid to rest next to Richard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina. 

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.ryanmortuary.com.