GWINN, MI. - Esther Louise Mitchell, 76, of Gwinn, died Wednesday evening, July 4, 2012, at her home, surrounded by family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice.
Esther was born on October 15, 1935 in Saginaw, Michigan, a daughter of the late John and Anna (Borkavitz) Miller.
She had lived in the Gwinn area since 1958.
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Esther Louis Mitchell
Esther and her husband, Jack, owned and operated the Gwinn A&W Rootbeer from 1976 1987. She also worked 29 1/2 years for the federal government as a purchasing director and procurement officer. From 1994 2010, Esther served with the Retired Senior Volunteer Program as a non-emergency transporter, crafter and friendly visitor.
In her retirement and free time, Esther enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Hawaii and wintered in Florida, most recently in Arizona.
She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, crafts and reading.
She is survived by her husband, Jack Mitchell, whom she married in 1957 in Flint, Michigan; three children, Scott (Cindy) Mitchell of Flat Rock, MI, Jacqueline (Michael) Adair of Champion, MI and Bradley (Sally) Mitchell of Gwinn; four grandchildren, Angela (Jason Nixon) Mitchell, Elizabeth (Chris) LaJoie, Ashley (Jake) Perry, and Drew Adair; seven great grandchildren, Madalynn, Bryce, Logan, Layla, Joshua, Gabriella, and Parker; four siblings, Anne McCollough of Sanford, FL, Thomas (Jean) Miller of Burt, MI, Jeanee Bogard of Saginaw, MI and Gale Bedtelyon of Eastover, NC; a sister-in-law, Gloria Miller of Saginaw; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends including, Sally, Sandy and Jan and her friends in Arizona. Preceding her in death besides her parents was an infant son, Mark in 1963; siblings, David Miller, Sarah Hunt, Josephine Miller and George, Jack and Alice.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home with Barb Tooman officiating.
Burial will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.
Esther's family would like to give a special thank you to the ladies at the Forsyth Township Public Library for their care and concern for Esther during her illness.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Lake Superior Hospice Association, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
Memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com