Ray L. Mitchell 1933-2008

MITCHELL, LISK, SPRAY, KELSO, TURBENSON

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/23/2008 at 17:51:19

Newton Daily News, Newton, IA

MESA, Ariz. — Ray L. Mitchell, 75, of Mesa, Ariz., passed away at his home on Monday, April 14, 2008. He was born on Feb. 7, 1933, to Russell and Viola Mitchell in Bonaparte. As a child and adolescent, Ray attended school in Newton; after which he attended the Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Ill.

Ray also dedicated his time and services to our country as an SP4 in the U.S. Army, receiving the Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Professionally, Ray worked for 33 years at the Winpower Company in Newton in the generator engineering department. Tiring of the long and cold Iowa winters, Ray moved to sunny Arizona in 1984, where he worked for Southwest Products Corporation as a Generator Repairman. He took his retirement in 1996.

Ray thoroughly enjoyed golfing. In 2002, he came close to a course record by playing more than 300 rounds at the Coyote Lakes Country Club in Surprise, Ariz. During his golfing career Ray accomplished the extremely rare feat of six holes in one!

Ray is preceded in death by his wife, Iva Kathryn Mitchell; his brother, Leroy Mitchell; and his sister, Joanne Lisk.

He leaves behind his son, James Mitchell; his daughter, Sheila (Terry) Spray of Lebanon, Mo.; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Ray is also survived by his late wife’s family, including her daughters, Linda (Jim) Kelso of Maple Grove, Minn., and Jane (Ted) Turbenson of Gilbert, Ariz.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held in his honor on Friday, April 18, 2008, at Westcott Funeral Home in Cottonwood at 11 a.m. with a one-hour prior visitation.