Betty Jo Mitchell

Betty Jo Bates Mitchell of Austin, Texas passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at the age of 93. She was born on June 16, 1929, in Vernon, Texas where she grew up living on a farm that raised cotton for income and grew their own food.

Betty attended business college in San Antonio and held several jobs before taking a position as assistant to the vice president of Texas Instruments from 1952 to 1955 when she became a homemaker and loving mother.

She was actively involved in her Church of Christ church activities, played bridge, learned tole painting, kissed our skinned knees, made many of our clothes, and raised two daughters to be strong, independent women.

She is preceded in death by her best friend and loving husband of 40 years, Tully Mitchell, precious mother Martha Obanetta Ladd, niece Beth Ann Ekern, sister-in-law Dorothy Gibson and husband John Homer, and a host of dearly missed family and friends.

Betty, “Grammy” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is survived by her daughters Melody Mitchell, Carol Thurn Valsassina, son-in-law David Thurn Valsassina and Evonne Sandas (Betty was her mother on earth because Evonne’s mother is in Heaven); grandson Chase Zachary, wife Meagan, and great-grandchildren Carter, Lennon, Emery, and Karson; granddaughter Taylor Zachary Ramirez and husband Luke and great-grandchildren John Luke, and Lily Rose; and, nephew-in-law Paul Ekern, great nephew Bax Ekern, wife Jacqueline and family; great niece Stephanie Koban and husband Neil, great nephew Brant Ekern wife Leigh and family; and Henri Naylor, husband Ed and family.

Betty was a loving wife and caring mother. She was friendly, loved to laugh, listen to music, and remained resilient through life’s ups and downs. She cared about people with all her heart. Her family was very important to her, and she always enjoyed any opportunity to see her children, grandchildren, and her six great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the nursing, culinary, maintenance/housekeeping and administrative staff at Silverado Barton Springs Memory Care Community for the care and compassion they showed our mother/friend during her battle with dementia. We were at ease knowing that she was in good hands, allowing some peace and comfort in our lives. There is no finer group of people devoted to loving and attentive care than the folks at Silverado. We also want to thank Perla, the salon manager at Silverado, who brightened Mom’s Day every week with a dose of normalcy when she shampooed and set her hair and manicured her nails. Their bond was special, and we are grateful for her presence in Mom’s life.

Special thanks to our friends and family who were and still are our steel magnolias. You consistently supported and encouraged us and let us be vulnerable during our toughest times of caregiving. You always asked how Mom was doing and embraced her when she was visiting us at home and in your presence. Thank you for the comfort you gave and are still providing.

Family and friends are invited to attend a service at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home located at 6300 W. William Cannon Blvd, Austin TX 78749 on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 11:00 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am.