Mary Jane Mitchell, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on May 28, 1936, in Denver, Colorado, Mary Jane was the cherished daughter of Mary and John Benes and grew up alongside one sister, one brother, and one half-sister.
She attended South High School in Denver, Mary Jane married the love of her life, Charles “Bud” Mitchell, on May 7, 1954. They shared 57 beautiful years of marriage until Bud’s passing, a testament to enduring love and unwavering partnership. Mary Jane was Bud’s greatest supporter. He was the ultimate dreamer—and she enthusiastically believed in his dreams. Together, they raised 9 children in 18 years, fondly known as the “C.R. Mitchells,” each with first and middle names beginning with C and R.
Their children are:
• Charles Robert Mitchell (preceded her in death)
• Carol Rae Prater
• Connie Renee Lyons (husband Art Lyons, deceased)
• Cherl Randie SaBell aka Cheri (Nicholas SaBell)
• Cindy Roberta Bittner (Kirk Bittner)
• Cathleen Rita Heister aka Cayttie (K.C. Heister)
• Carl Richard Mitchell aka Buddy (Karyn Mitchell)
• Craig Russell Mitchell aka Dooger
• Chloe Robin Hodges (Robbie Hodges)
Mary Jane’s life was centered around her deep love for her family and faith. Her legacy as a mother was her greatest pride, and it lives on through her 32 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her grandson, Adam Lee Lyons and her great grandson Kenneth Charles Heister III.
She had many talents and passions. She sewed clothes for her daughters, made camper curtains for Bud’s business, sold turquoise jewelry, and was a competitive bowler. She loved the Denver Broncos and was her sons’ number one fan during their high school football games. She loved gardening, especially her rose bushes. She had a sharp competitive streak and loved playing games, especially Canasta and the family favorite, Estimation. Bud loved to playfully get under her skin during game nights, and Mary Jane’s feisty and funny spirit would always shine through. Her children and grandchild loved to watch the two of them in these sparring matches. She loved to travel and served as the family’s navigator on countless adventures. In her later years Mary Jane became an avid prayer warrior. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she found great joy in seeing others come to saving faith in Christ.
She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, humor, strength, fierce loyalty, and unwavering devotion to her family. Mary Jane was the heart of the Mitchell family—a guiding light, a steady presence, and a true matriarch.
