Lyle James Mitchell

Lyle graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956 and for 44 years resided in Kalamazoo until he moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1981. Lyle worked for Eaton/Paragon Optical as an Optical Specialist, for 17 years, retiring in 1998. Retirement was not for Lyle at 61 years young and he continued to work until the age of 82. He worked with intellectually disabled adults and managed several group homes, was a driver and a business owner. Lyle and his beautiful wife owned Butterflight Balloons, creating balloon décor for weddings, parties and public events. Lyle was also a creative woodworking artist and gourd maker. Lyle and his wife Carolyn created beautiful gourds and showcased them at Art Shows in Arizona and California. Lyle also loved meeting new people which is why he became a Lyft and Uber driver.

Lyle was the most loving, caring and devoted husband to his wife, Carolyn. They were together almost every minute of every day and spent most days playing scramble, memory games, reading, visiting with friends, family and just enjoying each other’s company. Lyle was an amazing woodworker and could make and create anything out of wood. His most creative works included Native American percussion drums, rain sticks, armoires, and clocks. Lyle loved working with his hands and building things. He loved 3D puzzles that would go vertical, horizontal and every which way. Lyle had a love of books and reading. He loved watching movies, watching the Arizona Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondback. Lyle loved his children with his whole heart. He was an awesome role model and teacher to all his grandchildren. They would often go camping, watching movies, tending the garden, making and fixing things.

Lyle is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Carolyn Mitchell; along with five children and their spouses; Lyle & Marlene Mitchell of Portage, Michigan, Terrie & Mike Miller of Durham, North Carolina, Shelly Piano & Jaime of Lasalle, Illinois, Sharon Yarbrough of Stephenville, Texas, and Peter & Sabrina McDonald of Surprise, AZ; 17 (surviving) Grandkids; (Lyle) Matthew Mitchell, Alex Mitchell, Aaron Lope, Linnea Wood, (Terrie) Thomas Miller, Lysa Vitrano, (Shelly) Amanda Lopez, Gabriel Lopez, Cory Lopez, Chad Lopez, (Sharon) Jeremy Pebworth, Michael Pebworth, Meggin Belle, Mysteri Horn, (Peter) Matthew McDonald, Brianna McDonald, Brady McDonald and 36 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Flossie (2012) and Oscar Mitchell (1978), Sister – Cora (1989), Brother – Chuck (1999), his first wife Eva Mae Mitchell (1990), and granddaughter Michelle Soddy (2012).

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on January 23rd at 5pm – 7pm, at Reveal Church, 13015 W. Greenway Rd, El Mirage, AZ.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Mitchell family.