Elsie Ruth Hillen Mitchell went to be with God, her creator and Heavenly Father on July 18, 2018. She died after a short illness at her home with her daughter by her side. Born in Troup, Texas on August 25th, 1932, she was the only child of Louis and Gertrude Schmidt Hillen. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, John B. Mitchell Jr. Elsie is survived by her son Richard Mitchell (Jeri) and daughter Janice Mitchell (Patty); grandchildren Robby, Kelly (Casey), Kevin, and Katie (Wes); and great-grandchildren John, Sean, Cody, Makenzie, Brayden, Coley, Brycen, and Jayden, sister-in-law Carolyn Reed (Rick); and brother-in-law Bobby Mitchell (Amanda).
Elsie graduated from Robstown High School in 1949. Most of her adult life she worked for HEB corporate headquarters beginning in Corpus Christi and then in San Antonio. She was highly respected, influential within the company, and trusted by the HEB family. After her retirement in 1997, she served as a Coordinator for the San Antonio HEB Senior Partners Club.
Bowling was Elsie’s hobby and became her passion after she retired. She volunteered her time and talents to making bowling fun and rewarding for everyone involved at the local, state, and national levels. She was inducted into the Corpus Christi and the San Antonio Bowling Halls of Fame, and she was the President of the Greater San Antonio Bowling Association for the past 8 years. Elsie was also the Secretary of the USS de Grasse Club, and she loved her Spurs.
Elsie was the rock of her family. She gave everyone strength when times were tough and always had time for each one. She lived a more active, adventurous, fulfilling, fun life than most people dare to dream of, and she had more energy and spirit than many people half her age. She was not ready to die......but was at peace when her Heavenly Father called her home.
Visitation will be held at Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City on Saturday July 28th beginning at 1pm followed by a celebration of life service at 2pm. A private family interment will be held at Ft Sam Houston National Cemetery. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.colonialuniversal.com . If you wish to honor Elsie’s memory, please make donations to Bowlers Victory Legion.
The family wishes to thank the staff at VITAS Hospice for their extraordinary care of Elsie.
