Wilmma Ann Mitchell, 86 lifelong rresident of Newtwon went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 6, 2013 at the Newton Medical Center. She was born April 25, 1927 in Newton, the daughter of Zelphia Louise Ridley and William F. Phillips.
Wilma graduated frrom Newton High School in 1945. She attended Emporia State and Wichita Area Vocational Technical College. She was a factory worker at Phillips Industries for many years and also a Harvey Girl for Fred Harvey serving meals for the train troops during World War II. She spent the next 15 years various positions in the USD 373 School District in Newton. Wilma served on the District Diversity Committee, the Newton High School Site Council and the Railer Booster Club.
Wilma retired as Human Resource Specialist/Interviewer on October 16, 1993, from the State of Kansas Human Resource Division of Employment in Wichita and the Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services of Newton and Wichita, with 21 years of service. She was a voice for working women; a voice for families; a voice for minorities and a voice for seniors.
Wilma loved working with children and never met a stranger. She was very active in her communiity, receiving the "Woman of Distinction" honor in 1997 by the Soroptimist International of the Americas. She also served as the Board Chair for the Newton Housing Authoority from May 1997 to April 2001 and May 2002 to April 2010. She was affectionately known as "Dottie" to her children, and grandchildren.
Survivors: 3 sons: Ward (Gloria) Mitchell, Decatur, Texas; Leonard (Weslee) Mitchell, Topeka; William (Dana) Mitchell, Mesquite,, Texas; 3 daughters, Mary L. Myrick, Newton; Patricia A. Mitchell, Fort Worth, Texas; Elmira L. Mitchell-Everett, Overland Park; sister, Mary Jane Hill, Kansas City; brother, Frederick (Beverly) Phillips, Kansas City; 17 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Wilma's home going celebration will be held Saturday, October 12 at Salem United Methodist Church, Newton, Kansas.
