Barbara Ann Orton Mitchell

Barbara Ann (Orton) Mitchell, 81 of Austin, Texas, died November 27, 2025. Born September 15, 1944, in Elgin, Illinois, Barb was the oldest child of Robert L. Orton and Dorothy M. Orton of Austin, Texas. As the daughter of an Air Force officer, she grew up across the country as well as Canada. Following her graduation from Chatham High School in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada, she attended St. Anthony’s School of Nursing in Rockford, Il where she met her future husband. She went on to have a successful career as a registered nurse, primarily focused in psychiatric care at various private and government agencies, finally choosing to retire from the medical unit at the Travis County Sherriff's Dept.

Barb was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, devoted Catholic and longtime parishioner of Austin’s St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church. She enjoyed music, reading, and volunteering with the Austin Symphony. She also spent many years supporting nurses through the Texas Peer Assistance Program (TPAP). She was most proud of her family and spent as much time with them as possible.

Barb will be lovingly remembered as an amazing nurse, mentor, and advocate. Nursing was not just her career, it was her life and passion.

She was gregarious, social, and known for her sarcastic wit. Her absence will be deeply felt.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. & Dorothy M. Orton.

Barb is survived by daughters, Diane (Paul) Johnson of Kyle, TX, Karen (Danny) Davis of Kyle, TX; grandsons, Zach, Aaron, Anthony, and Cameron; and great-grandsons, Aidan and Kevin.

Barb is also survived by her ex-husband, Glenn Mitchell; siblings, Nancy, Tom, Mary, and Ann; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Catholic Charities or a Native American charity of your choosing.