OBITUARY

(Thea) Evelyn Mitchell

August 20, 1922 – March 29, 2021
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(Thea) Evelyn Mitchell

Evelyn Mitchell passed away from this life into her eternal home on Mon. Mar 29, 2021. A retired Professor of Piano from the Univ. of Mo. St. Louis, she has resided in Wichita since 1998. Survivors: Son, Charles Mitchell (Karen), Wichita; a daughter, Ginny Pinho (Albert), Everett, MA; and 8 grandchildren. She is greatly loved and will be sorely missed. Viewing: 5-7 p.m., April 8, 2021. Funeral: 10 a.m. Apr. 9, 2021 both at Hillside Funeral Home West, 2929 W 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67203.

  • FAMILY

  • Charles (Karen) Mitchell, Son
  • Mary Virginia "Ginny" (Albert) Pinho, Daughter
  • Sarah Elizabeth Pinho, Granddaughter
  • Emily Joy Pinho, Granddaughter
  • James Michael Pinho, Grandson
  • Jesse Andrew Pinho, Grandson
  • Kelly Ann Mitchell, Granddaughter
  • Christine Anne Pinho, Granddaughter
  • Daniel James Pinho, Grandson
  • Faith Elizabeth Pinho, Granddaughter
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  • Visitation

    Thursday, April 8, 2021

  • Funeral Service

    Friday, April 9, 2021

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(Thea) Evelyn Mitchell

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Vince LaNave

April 12, 2021

Evelyn Mitchell was a warm-hearted human being with a big heart. She was truly a virtuoso pianist of the highest caliber. She, no doubt, would have become a household name if it had not been for the difficulties she encountered after the untimely passing of her beloved husband, Charles Sr.

I was fortunate enough to hear her perform both in private and in public. The sounds which sprang forth from her fingertips as her hands swept over the keyboard could not be duplicated by any concert artist.

At one time, wanting to be a pianist myself, I began attending concerts at Severance Hall in Cleveland when I was 16 years old. I heard all the top of the line pianists of the world perform, and in my estimation, (Thea) Evelyn Mitchell still ranks number one.

As a teacher, Evelyn Mitchell knew how to bring the best out of a student. Whereas, before I came to study with her I was told by musicians and pianists that I had a flare for the piano, after studying with her I was told that I had a great talent. One faculty member even said to her, "I didn't know he had it in him." He heard me play before I ever studied with her and was not that impressed with my playing.

Evelyn Mitchell holds a special place in my heart, not only because she was able to bring out the musician in me, but because she is a wonderful human being. I will always love her.

Carol Koeppe

April 12, 2021

After watching Mrs. Mitchell´s service, others have told many of the same stories that I have. Mark did a wonderful job of representing her many students over the years. Thanks Mark! I auditioned for Mrs. Mitchell when I was 12. My previous teacher had studied with her and thought I needed a better teacher. Looking back, I wasn´t as nervous as I should have been! She accepted me and she was my piano teacher-from then on. She did so much for me, and not just as a pianist. She was a lifelong mentor. I ended up teaching music in schools for 14, then 16 years at UMSL. I taught piano for 50 years. Something of her is in every piece I play, every lesson I taught. I got to know Ginny and Charlie. Mrs. Mitchell was often a second mother to me. I learned about piano playing, but also about being a person, and being a Christian. I have one story that I´ll share, because if I say everything I want I´d need much more room! So often in a lesson, I would finish a piece and she´d say "Honey, that was beautiful. However," then would come what she really wanted to say! "However" became a joke in my family. She definitely told you the truth! But she also had incredible patience and understanding. I have often thought of her as this tiny person who could be a force of nature! If I had even a small bit of the same good influence on my students that she had on hers, I would be thrilled. Love you Mrs. Mitchell. I look forward to seeing you again on the other side!

John & Leslie Schmidt

April 12, 2021

I met Evelyn Mitchell at the small Walgreens RxPress near Twin Lakes in Wichita shortly after I graduated pharmacy school in Iowa City around 1997. Evelyn had some specific drug related questions for me over the years, and managed to find me even when Walgreens sent me to other stores. Eventually she found out I also had a piano with me throughout my life and encouraged me to put it to use again. Good music truly is a window into the soul. The view and expression of her music truly brightened my day on many occasions. Following her example, I encouraged my son Hayden to pursue music. He won the John Phillips Sousa award at Maize South high school a few years ago, mostly for saxophone performance. Many of his best friends study music at Kansas State University. We moved back to the Emporia area about 5 years ago shortly after my own mother passed away, so we haven't seen Evelyn much since then. I think her beautiful soul went on to bear melodies in a higher realm. Rest in peace.

Karen Strawder

April 12, 2021

Your service was beautiful today, Evelyn. Thank you for playing the piano for us. I had no idea that you played piano, let alone being a professor. One of your students came from Nashville, to be here for your home going. He spoke highly of you, and played amazingly on the keyboard. I am so grateful, that God had our paths cross again! Now I know why your hands were always moving. You were playing the piano. You will always have a special place in my .

Karen Strawder

April 12, 2021

Rest In Peace, Evelyn! I missed coming to see my patients, as well as you when Covid hit. You will always be remembered!!!

Esther Richards

April 12, 2021

The Smile: Yes, the smile that lit her face and welcomed you whenever she saw you! The Love: She loved her God, her family, and all that she met. The Joy: Joyous at church, joyous praising God, joy that caused you to feel joy. Thank you Sis. Mitchell for you your, your exuberance, your generosity, your love, your humility, just for being "You"! You're Home!!!

Naomi Halverson

April 12, 2021

It was with sadness that I heard my former UMSL piano professor passed into a different dimension. I was almost an entire generation older than Evelyn Mitchell´s other students so we had a unique relationship which extended well beyond teacher/pupil and developed into a close and loving friendship over the four years. I have been a "neighborhood piano teacher" for over 40 years and am deeply grateful for all she taught me and the privilege, in my minor way, of carrying on her legacy.

Denise Dunn

April 12, 2021

I have only known Evelyn for a short time but she has made a lasting impression on me. Our visits consisted of playing classical music and talking (mostly me talking). She would always give me that big beautiful smile when I walked in and it would make my day. She was known for her ability to create beautiful music, but I think her real talent was her beautiful soul that shown through her eyes and smile. I will always treasure the times that I was blessed to have with this wonderful woman.

Diane Mohr

April 12, 2021

Mrs. Mitchell was my piano professor at UMSL in the 70s. She was an artist at the keyboard, a fine teacher, and a very caring person. I am grateful to have been a recipient of her love and support. Mrs. Mitchell was also responsible for showing me that God´s Word is true and life-giving. It is to her credit that I continue to grow in my faith and continue to share my love of music with others.

Linda Gurney

April 12, 2021

I was 4 years old when we moved by the Mitchell family in University City, 1960. Many blessings were to follow from this over the years. I became solid friends with her daughter, Ginny. I was already fascinated with playing music. Being in the Mitchell house, playing very quietly with Ginny while Mrs. Mitchell taught, was like a special immersion in music for me, and I loved it! Years later, she agreed to be my accompanist for my senior clarinet recital at Washington U. in St. Louis. That was a gift beyond description, and I will always remember how thrilled I was! I'll see you again one day, Mrs. Mitchell! Thank you for all the music you brought into my life!

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