Gloria Irene Mitchell

Gloria was born on December 21, 1921 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of George and Ida (Tacy) Watson. She graduated from Godwin High School in Grand Rapids in 1941, then enlisted in the United States Army, serving overseas until 1945. She then met Herbert Duthie Jr; they were married on July 5, 1946 and moved to Kalamazoo then Portage where she stayed at home to raise their three children. She later went to work as a secretary at the newly opened Angling Road School in the Portage school system. Herbert passed away in 1969, and on June 28, 1975, Gloria was wed to Nelson Mitchell, adding two more children to the family. She continued working in education, at Plainwell Middle School. She was a very active parent, always involved in her children’s activities. Gloria was happiest being with her family and loved her country and was proud to have served in the US Army. Gloria was a caring woman, never judging anyone, and always saw the best in people.

Gloria is survived by her children, Susanne (Joseph) DeVoss, Constance Zoutendyk, James (Shelley) Duthie, David(Lisa)Mitchell, and Karen Mitchell ; brothers, Franklin and James Watson; grandchildren, Christine Zoutendyk, Paul (Elizabeth) Zoutendyk, Martin (Jessica) DeVoss, Shelby DeVoss, Danielle Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell, Michael Smiley, and Sara Smiley; and 3 great grandchildren, with one more coming in July.

Preceding her in death are her husbands, Herbert Duthie Jr. and Nelson Mitchell; parents, George and Ida Watson; and siblings, George “Dick” Watson, Frances Hamilton, and Florence VanderVelde.

A committal service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 2 pm at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South, 3941 S. Westnedge Ave in Kalamazoo.

Please share your fond memories of Gloria at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City, (231) 946-6515.