Barbara Mitchell

Barbara Ann (Cartwright) Mitchell passed away peacefully near midnight on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Barbara was born on July 7, 1932, to parent Sarah (Ness) and Marvin Cartwright, in the front bedroom of the family’s home, that was built for them by her grandfather, Walter Cartwright, on 5th and Locust. She and her younger brother, Walter, had a large extended family in this area.

She grew up enjoying Coeur d’Alene’s great pass times, including; climbing Best Mountain, eating Hudson burgers and cruising around in the Model “A” Ford, license plate “123”, down Sherman Ave. She also enjoyed roller skating with her girlfriends at the 4th Street Roller Rink and going to Playland Pier, on the lake, with the carousel, ferris wheel and the tilt o’whirl.

Barbara enjoyed taking a salt shaker and magazines with her when she would climb her Uncle’s apple tree, so she could read and look at the newest fashions, all while eating the delicious sour apples.

Barbara’s mom was a seamstress and made all of Barbara’s clothes to match the latest trends, which made her the envy of her female classmates for being forever impeccably dressed.

In her teens, she was an usher at the old Wilma Theater and a sales clerk at the JC Penney’s store on Sherman Ave.

Barbara enlisted in United States Air Force in 1951. She did Basic Training in San Antonio, Texas, and then stationed at McClellan AFB, California. That is where she first caught eye of Ben installing a communications tower. “Oh,” she said, “He is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.” He, also, had a hole in his britches and she laughed.

Ben took her to the NCO Club, love hit, and they were inseparable after that.

Ben and Barbara were married in Reno, NV. They were married 64 wonderful years.

Barbara was blessed with 4 beautiful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love for her husband and entire family was unconditionally and her love was returned by everyone.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Benjamin Mitchell, her brother, Walter Cartwright and his wife, her four children; Jeannie Day, Robert Mitchell, James Jay Mitchell, Kathy Mitchell, and their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barbara (Cartwright) Mitchell is and will be constantly missed and love for her will always be in our hearts forever.

Funeral service will be at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene on Monday August 13 at 10 a.m. Burial to follow at Riverview Cemetery Coeur d’Alene, ID.