Helen R. Mitchell

Helen Ruth Renfroe Mitchell, 92, passed away on January 4, 2025, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Born on May 13, 1932, in Pelsor, Arkansas, to Marvin and Estelle Renfroe, Helen’s family relocated to Cataldo, Idaho, in 1940. There, she attended school in a one-room classroom alongside her three sisters—Pennee (Fisher), Wilma (Dorton), and Betty (Colson). Helen graduated from Kingston High School in 1950 and continued her passion for learning by taking numerous classes at North Idaho College.

On October 13, 1951, she married Gilbert Mitchell. They settled in Kingston, Idaho, where they lived until 1977 when the family moved to Post Falls. After Gilbert's passing in 1988 following a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Helen established her home in the Coeur d’Alene area.

Throughout her life, Helen embraced various roles, beginning as a devoted wife and mother before pursuing a range of paid positions. Her professional journey included working for the General Telephone Company, serving as a dental assistant and receptionist for George Doyle in Rose Lake, and roles at the Ponderosa Grade School in Post Falls and briefly at English Funeral Chapel.

A faithful member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Pinehurst,  Trinity Lutheran and Christ the King Lutheran Church in Coeur d’Alene, Helen fostered deep connections within her church families, especially with the women in her Circles. She made many lifelong friends through her involvement in various organizations and activities, including the “Our Day Out” (ODO) club in Cataldo, local bowling leagues, and the Ponderosa Golf Club. In her leisure time, she took up skiing, enjoyed knitting slippers for her family, writing poetry, and had a passion for baking pies.

Helen treasured the many vacations she shared with Gilbert, visiting destinations around the states and other areas such as Mexico, Nova Scotia (his birthplace), and the Bermuda Islands. In 1964, the couple purchased property at Copper Camp on the Coeur d’Alene River, where they built a second home. This special place became a cherished gathering spot for family and friends to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.

 Helen is survived by her four children: Gary (Karen) Mitchell of Medimont, Gail (Troy) Turley of Rathdrum, Gwen (Kenneth Locke) Mitchell of Moscow, and Holly (Scott) McNee of Coeur d’Alene. She leaves behind seven grandchildren—Tyler Lyons, Gretchen Lyons, Raleigh Turley, Ross Turley, Aaron McNee, Caroline McNee, and Derek McNee—as well as eight great-grandchildren. Helen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gil; her cherished granddaughter, Jennifer Mitchell; her sisters; and a daughter-in-law, Patricia Mitchell.

Helen’s legacy of love, friendship, and community will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. She now rejoices in the arms of Jesus.

A memorial service will be held on January 11 at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene at 1:00.