Mary E. "Liz" (Sibal) Mitchell

Life long Ogallala resident, Mary E. Mitchell "Liz", passed away, on Thursday, December 6, 2018, at the Brookdale Village Assisted Living, in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

Liz was born on November 11, 1923, in Ogallala, to Frank J. and Mary (Losure) Sibal.

She grew up in Ogallala, graduating Ogallala High School in 1941. Liz attended and graduated from the North Platte School of Commerce, then going on to work as an Executive Secretary for the United States Government. On November 20, 1943, she married Gene Mitchell, who was serving for the United States Marine Corp. Following World War II, they decided to make Ogallala their home.

Liz's interests included her church, education, politics and community service. She was active in the Methodist Church Choir, Women's Society of Christian Service, Wesleyan Service Guild, and was a member of the Eastern Star. She was elected to the Board of Governors of the Mid-Plains Community College, serving 16 years, 2 of which were as a Chairman of the Board. Liz also served on the State Developmental Disabilities Council, from 1968-1974. She joined the Democratic Party, and was the Keith County Democratic Chairman for 4 years, also on the Democratic State Central Committee.  Liz served on the Nebraska Mortgage Finance Fund as one of the original members from 1976-1982. In Ogallala, she was a charter member of the Ogallala Regional Arts Council and the Kenfield Gallery.

Honors include; the Ak-Sar-Ben Leadership Award, and the Ogallala Business and Professional Women's Club, Woman of the Year from 1983-1984. She established  Mitchell Realty in 1983, and operated it for 15 years.

Preceded in her death were her parents; her husband; and 2 sons, Gene "Mitch" and Mark.

Liz is survived by her daughter; Joan (Roy) Thornock of Katy, TX; a grandson, Matthew, of Centennial, CO; a granddaughter, Kimberley (Chris) Olson; 2 great-granddaughters, Brooke and Whitney, all of Englewood, CO; and several nieces and nephews.

Register Book signing will be held Tuesday, December 11th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Draucker Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, December 12th at 10:30 a.m. from the United Methodist Church, in Ogallala, with Rev. Chuck Rager officiating.  Burial is in the Ogallala Cemetery. Online condolences can be left by signing the online Guest Book.  A memorial has been established to the Kidney Foundation and Mid-Plains Community College.  

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.