Doris Mitchell

Doris graduated from Dixon High School in 1957 where she played in the band and was an active and accomplished member of the 4-H, serving as president and earning numerous sewing awards that hinted early at her creativity and dedication. Her life took a beautiful turn when a young Charles H. Mitchell, Jr. asked her to a movie outside the courthouse. That first date began a love story that became the foundation of her life. Doris and Charles were married for 53 years and remained devoted partners in every sense.

After completing her studies at Lockyears Business College, Doris built a long and respected career in the restaurant industry. For more than 45 years, she served as Office Manager of Tee Jaye’s Country Place, where she oversaw construction projects, remodeling and financial operations. She also served as the company Treasurer and was a trusted member of the Board of Directors. Together, Doris and Charles were entrepreneurial and industrious, purchasing and managing several rental and farm properties, beginning with their first duplex in the OSU campus area, where they lived on one side while Charles worked on his Ph.D.

Family was the true center of Doris’ life. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings, and she approached every gathering with enthusiasm and love. Naturally active and always on the move, Doris enjoyed camping, traveling, visiting the beach, and making many trips back to the family farm in Kentucky.

Doris had a natural gift for connecting with others. She made friends wherever she went and had an exceptional ability to listen. Her gentle wisdom, steady presence, and thoughtful advice made people feel safe, understood and valued. She was the quiet strength of her family and gave her support freely and without hesitation. To know Doris was to know kindness, steadiness and a sweetness of spirit that left a lasting imprint on all who were fortunate enough to be part of her life.

Doris will be deeply missed by her daughters, Teresa Flood and Cheryl VanPatten (Joe); brother Tommy Sutton (Sara); grandchildren, Kelly Flood, Jake and Gavin Southworth, Alexis Mitosinka (Tyler) and Zach VanPatten; great-grandchildren, Ari and Willow Mitosinka; aunt, Mildren Russell; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles H. Mitchell, Jr.; sister, Carol Sue Newton; grandson, John Joseph “Jack” Flood III.

Visitation will be held from 1-4 PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio.

Additional visitation, funeral services and burial will take place in Dixon, KY. Visitation will be from 9-11AM on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Townsend Funeral Home, 140 US-41 ALT, Dixon, Kentucky, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM and burial at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Doris’ honor to Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at OCRAHope.org.