Barbara Ann Mitchell

Barbara Ann Mitchell, 93, passed away peacefully, from this world, on February 11, 2025, in Greenwood, Indiana.  She spent the last two years of her life, as a resident of Aspen Trace Senior Living Center. She received excellent care, from the staff, on Ambassador Square.  Barbara was born on July 28, 1931, in Weldon, Illinois, to Earl and Gertrude Oakes. 

She graduated from Noblesville High School, in 1949. In 1950, she married Richard L. Mitchell.  Barbara and Richard moved to Lafayette, IN., where they lived most of their lives, and raised their two children.  Barbara was an active member of Central Presbyterian Church in Lafayette, IN.   She was well known for her passion for playing bridge, golf, sewing, quilting, and hospitality.  Among many highlights of her golf success, one that she was most proud of was the sinking of two (2) holes-in-one.  She was a member of the Tri Kappa Sorority, the Elks Ladies Golf League, and several Lafayette bridge clubs, throughout her life. 

Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and her unwavering love for her family.  Her creativity with various crafts, especially with her sewing and quilting, was that of a true artist.  She believed that anything worth doing deserved the best work that her hands could accomplish. She loved to sit outside and take in the activity of the birds and busy people coming and going.  She enjoyed country music, reading, and talking with people.  Barb will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Barb is survived by her two children, Terrylee Turnipseed (Stan) of Greenwood, Indiana, and Timothy Mitchell (Amy) of Anderson, South Carolina.  Barbara was blessed with four grandchildren, Scott Turnipseed, Samuel Mitchell, Alexander Mitchell, and Sarah Mitchell, as well as three great-grandchildren.    

She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard, in 2016, her granddaughter, Sarah Mitchell, in 2022, and her siblings William and Richard Oakes, and Shirley Rita. 

Barbara will be laid to rest at the Crownland Cemetery, in Noblesville, IN. next to her husband Richard.  A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home & Simple Cremation in Whiteland. www.jessenfuneralhome.com

“It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”

—JOHN STEINBECK