Ida Lee Mitchell, nee Reeder, 98, of Belleville, IL, born Thursday, May 17, 1923, in Murphysboro, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at her residence.
Ida Lee was a 1941 graduate of Murphysboro High School. She attended Southern Illinois Normal University (now SIU-C) and Asbury College before receiving a teaching degree from McKendree College. She educated young minds for many years, retiring from Elizabeth Morris School in Cahokia, IL, in 1985. She was an active member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the New Life Club (serving as president 1991- 1993) and Choir, supporter of their missions, children’s ministry, Wednesday evening meal kitchen crew, Bible studies, and many other areas of service. She was also a long-time member of Rob Morris Chapter 98 OES, having served as Worthy Matron, and the Wednesday Club, where she also served a term as president. She loved cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and would often do so from their Spring Training facilities in Florida. Many summers you would find her in Eldorado, IL, renewing her spirit and faith during the Beulah Holiness Camp Meeting at Beulah Camp. She was an avid world traveler; England was a favorite, and she was always up for a road trip or a new adventure. Her friends were countless and included a dear group of women, the Friendship Circle, that began in the 1950’s when they all attended Alta Sita/Aldersgate Methodist Church. Her 98th birthday luncheon celebration with the Red Hat Ladies Club was the best gift ever! She truly cherished her time with family and being actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her:
- Husband: Edward E. Mitchell
- Parents: Rolla and Dale, nee Doty, Reeder
Surviving are her:
- Son: Edward L. (Clare) Mitchell of San Antonio, TX
- Daughter: Pamela S. (Larry) Evans of Glen Carbon, IL
- Son: Bryan D. (Cathy) Mitchell of Millstadt, IL
- Son: Bruce M. (Angie) Mitchell of Mount Juliet, TN
- Sister: Carolyn (Dr. Robert) Kingsbury of Roseville, MN
- Grandchildren
- Kimberly Mitchell
- Karin Mitchell
- Kristin (Greg) Leininger
- Kraig (Christi Nelson) Mitchell
- Kyle (Sheree) Mitchell
- Ben (Susan) Moyer
- Josh Evans
- Zach (Megan) Evans
- Sam Evans
- Bryce Mitchell
- Bethany (Brad) Cook
- Garrett (Jenny) Mitchell
- Dana (Christopher) Peluso
- Grant (Kelly) Mitchell
- Many dear great and great-great grandchildren
- Many dear nieces and nephews
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer Association or St. Matthew United Methodist Church.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Friday, October 1, 2021, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, and from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 2, 2021, at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, with Rev. Ron Martz officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
7 Comments To "Ida Lee Mitchell"
#1 Comment By Hal Chennault On September 24, 2021 @ 8:11 pm
My condolences to your family Bruce.
#2 Comment By Stephanie Thompson On September 24, 2021 @ 9:41 pm
My condolences to the family and my joined celebrations of her life surround you all at this time. Through the beautiful stories Angie has shared, what an impact she has made to so many for so long. John and I lift our hearts and prayers to you all.
#3 Comment By Tara Cook On September 25, 2021 @ 10:04 am
We are so sorry for your loss. She invested her life & love in so many people. Her love, prayers & influence will live on for many generations. We are so thankful for what she invested in the Mitchell family. Praying Gods comfort over all of you as you celebrate her life.
#4 Comment By Lindy Backues On September 25, 2021 @ 11:33 am
Bryan (and Bruce, and the rest of the family), I am really sad to hear about this. I don’t know anyone from Belleville and the St. Matts orbit that I admired more than your mother. She was so good! I have long seen much of her in you, Bryan – and that is a HUGE compliment.
I will be praying for you and for all of those who experience the going home of this dear saint as a loss. Heaven has gained! I wish I was near to talk and to come to her services. I cannot think of Ida Lee without smiling. Now I will do that with both smiles and tears – at least for a while. Smiles will remain.
#5 Comment By Karen Bush On September 26, 2021 @ 12:28 pm
So sorry for your loss. Prayers will be with you as you mourn her passing and celebrate her life.
#6 Comment By Andy Cook On September 29, 2021 @ 7:22 am
I am sorry I will not be able to attend the funeral. Please know that we will be thinking of you and sending our love. Ida Lee was as I have said before a second Mom to both myself and Tim. She was Mom’s best friend. The love and kindness she shared with everyone. She was also a force to be reckoned with. I will never forget the times she watched me when I was little when you guys lived in the houses across from Aldersgate. That is where the infamous Orange soda nail dropping Bruce falling out of the treehouse on me incident occurred. Rumors still fly about what really happened that day. It is true “Rashomon”. All I know for sure is that Ida Lee comforted me that day and gave me a new orange soda. God Bless you all. Love you.
#7 Comment By Robert Souders On September 29, 2021 @ 9:26 am
If you knew Ida Lee you couldn’t help but know her enthusiasm for her family, her church and her God. She was just a delight to know. At Beulah Holiness Camp she was a faithful attender for years. As her pastor for many years I enjoyed her in worship, on trips and in our home. Ed was just a great blessing as well. So many of our old friends like Ida Lee have gone on stop their heavenly reward. We miss them all.