Portage County obituaries for May 18-19, 2026

Wilma Jean Mitchell, age 91, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones and friends on May 17, 2026.   Born in Gasaway, West Virginia on August 9, 1934, Wilma, a/k/a Sissie to her family, moved to Freedom, Ohio after graduating from Gasaway High School. She was so proud of her West Virginia roots and enjoyed reminiscing with her siblings about the “good ole days” and telling stories about her childhood to her family and friends.  She married Raymond Mitchell on March 4, 1961. The two of them raised a family of 4 children.  She loved kids & decided to become an elementary teacher. She went on to graduate from Kent State University, and eventually went back to get her Master’s Degree.  She began a 28-year career at Katherine Thomas Elementary School in Windham. She loved teaching her students and challenging her gifted students, and she took great pride in their successes years later.  It would make her day when she would run into a former student in the community and learn about their lives.

But her greatest pride and joy was her family, Lorelei Gunnoe, John (Vicki) Mitchell and Jim (Tracie) Mitchell, 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren.  She supported them all in everything they did.  Her favorite times were spent with family, whether at her home which was always open to family and friends for pool parties, at her favorite vacation spot in Hilton Head Island, or in Florida where her family continued to grow and expand.  And, she got a kick out of knowing that some of her family had spread their wings all the way across the pond to England.  She used to love hosting Christmas Eve celebrations, with her tree famously decorated with her collection of Snow Babies.  Just like her Mom, Sissie always had a hot meal and tasty treats ready any time someone wanted to stop by.