Clara Pauline Mitchell, 88, formerly of rural Columbia City, passed away on her birthday at 12:05 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Story Point West Assisted Living, Fort Wayne.

Born on September 13, 1935, in Washington Twp., Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Loyd E. and Virga (Zigler) Anderson. Growing up near Churubusco, she graduated from Churubusco High School in 1953.

On November 2, 1957, she married Erwin Leroy "Pete" Mitchell.  They made their first home in Columbia City. In 1963, they purchased a farm in Richland Twp.

In addition to raising a daughter, she worked as a bookkeeper for Whitley Medical and then Dr. Timothy Chamberlain.

She enjoyed their country home, mowing the grass, caring for the property, and watching the wildlife. She, with her husband, were strong supporters of Whitko High School sports, regularly attending games. Clara loved to decorate her home with Longaberger baskets and at Christmas with Hallmark snowmen. For many years, it was a family tradition to meet at Turkey Run State Park for a reunion.  When the grandkids came along, they became her pride and joy.

Surviving is her beloved husband of 65 years, "Pete"; a daughter, Pamela (Thomas) Kessie of Columbia City; grandchildren, Zachary (Beth) Kessie of Roanoke and Greg (Candis) Kessie of Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Riley, Katelyn, Connor & Amelia Kessie.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by sisters Ruby Dial, Anna Keirn, and Mary Fletcher,  and brothers James, Carl, John, Mark, Emmett, Roy, Norman, Donald, and Dan Anderson.

The funeral service is at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.  Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery.  Visitation is from 1 p.m. until the service Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Clara's honor are to the Whitley County Community Foundation.