Dr. Ralph D. Mitchell, age 87, of Olathe, KS, passed away Saturday, November 20, 2021.
Ralph was born September 28, 1934 to Vincent and Alice Mitchell in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Buchanan, Michigan. Attended the University of Michigan and graduated in 1956 with a degree in English and the intention of going into the ministry. While attending U of M, Ralph was invited to be the summer youth minister for Brighton Presbyterian Church. During the summer, he stayed with Mrs. Inza Newman whose 2nd eldest daughter had 4 daughters. After church one Sunday, Ralph invited the eldest, Ileen, for coffee and she accepted, despite not liking coffee. He married the love of his life, Ileen, on June 22, 1957 and just celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
Ralph then started his ministerial journey by attending and graduating from McCormick Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. Upon graduation Ralph was ordained as minister of the Presbyterian Church in Neodesha, Kansas, where he served for 3 yrs, he served at several additional Presbyterian churches through the years, including Belleville, KS; Fredonia / Neodesha KS; Bellevue, NE; Independence, MO; Webb City, MO; Rushville, IN and his final stop was Grant County, IN. While serving his earlier churches he earned a Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Sacred Theology. In addition, he served as Stated Clerk for many governing councils of the Presbyterian Church of USA.
While in Fredonia, Ralph served as scoutmaster for Boys Scouts of America Troop 44 for 6 years. He truly enjoyed mentoring and teaching these young men. His favorite memory was the Canadian boundary waters canoe trip he led in 1971. He’s enjoyed hearing from many of his past scouts over the last few years.
Ralph was an avid photographer, loved woodworking, included making much of their home furniture and multiple beautiful grandmother clocks for his family. He still found time to get in a round of golf occasionally. He also became a registered parliamentarian to assist in church meetings as well as some residential homes associations.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Ileen (Beilby) Mitchell; his children, Timothy (Patty) Mitchell; David (Lori Puffer) Mitchell; Deborah (George) Shuck; grandchildren, Andrew Mitchell, Laura Mitchell, Jacob Mitchell, Megan Mitchell, Danielle Mitchell.
He is preceded in death by his father, Vincent Mitchell, his mother, Alice (Smith) Mitchell and his sister Norene (Mitchell) Kring.
A Memorial service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, December 4th at The Kirk of Kansas City, 11430 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64114
A graveside service will be held at a later date in Fredonia, KS.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial is with the Alzheimer’s Association, 3846 W 75th St, Prairie Village, KS 66208. Or online at https://www.alz.org/
Services through Cremation Society of Kansas and Missouri, Prairie Village, KS.
IBM teammate ,Peoria ,Arizona
Sending love and prayers to your family. After reading the obituary I wish I had known your dad. What an amazing life!
Teammate ,Granville ,Ohio
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, prayers and thoughts to you and your family.