A native of Garden Grove, Iowa, she was the spouse of the late Earl Mitchem. She worked at a defense plant making detonator caps during WWII and then for the Ford Motor Company in the late 40s. While living in Miami, she was president of the garden club and became a master of square dancing. She loved living here in Tryon and enjoyed her trips to Harmon Field.

Surviving are her son, Maurice Franks, four granddaughters and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Tryon Seventh Day Adventist Church. Pastor Jeremy Arnall will officiate.

Asheville Mortuary Services is caring for the Mitchem family.