Obituary

Barbara Jean Mitchell, lovingly known as Bobbie, passed away peacefully in her sleep after a beautiful evening out with her husband, Mitch, celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorraine and Robert Patterson, and her brother, Lee Patterson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Jim “Mitch” Mitchell; her three children, JR Mitchell (Diane), Bill Mitchell (Mimi), and Joni (Don) Ross; her beloved grandchildren, Lance Tuller, Ryan Tuller (Jessica), Judith Murray (Daniel), Jessica Alfano (Chris), Bradley Mitchell (Palak), Madison Wilson (Evan), and Naomi Mitchell; as well as five great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy.

Bobbie spent her early childhood in Watseka, Illinois, before moving to Chicago and then St. Charles, where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Illinois, where she proudly joined Chi Omega sorority and met her Beta Theta Pi beau, Jim “Mitch” Mitchell, whom she married after graduation.

Mitch was commissioned as an ROTC 2nd Lt. following graduation, and their married life quickly became an adventure. Together, they began what would become a wonderful series of relocations to fifteen homes across four states, Canada, and Belgium.

At Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, Bobbie gave birth to their first child, James Robert—known affectionately as JR to avoid having two Jims in the household. Their second son, Bill, was born in Gallup, New Mexico, just before Jim left the Army to begin his career with Corning Glass Works. Bill was the first white baby born in the Navajo Indian Hospital. Their daughter, Joan (Joni), was born in Philadelphia after the family had moved across the river to Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

From there, the Mitchell family relocated to Albany, New York; Montreal, Canada; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus, Ohio; and then to Brussels, Belgium. Their years in Brussels became a highlight, as Bobbie studied French and cooking, planned countless family trips throughout Europe, and nurtured her children’s love of travel and culture.

The family’s return to the United States first brought them back to Columbus while Jim worked for AccuRay Corp., then on to the Philadelphia suburbs, where he served as President of a robotics company. Their final move was back to Columbus, where they put down permanent roots and began a long and fulfilling relationship with Worthington Hills Country Club. There, Bobbie was an avid tennis player and golfer, and the Club became a special place to raise their family and form lifelong friendships.

In 2018, Jim and Bobbie made their final move to Friendship Village of Dublin, where they embraced an active lifestyle, enjoyed a wide variety of activities, and developed many new and lasting friendships.

Bobbie will be remembered for her warmth, wit, and her rare gift for making everyone feel special. She never forgot a name, always had a funny remark ready, and filled her family and friends’ lives with laughter and love. As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she adored her family and delighted in time spent with them, creating lasting memories.

In her later years, as she courageously faced Parkinson’s, Bobbie continued to inspire those around her. She reminded everyone that “every day is a great day” and showed by example the power of approaching life—even in difficult times—with positivity and grace.

Bobbie’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and light. She touched countless lives, and her memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life for Barbara will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Friendship Village of Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, OH 43017.

In lieu of flowers friends can make contributions to Friendship Village of Dublin, 6000 Riverside Drive, Dublin, Ohio 43017. https://www.fvdublin.org/donate-now/.

Gifts received in memory of Bobbie will be designated to the Friendship Village of Dublin Scholarship Fund.