Lila Lee (Gibson) Mitchell

Lila Lee Mitchell, 90, passed away on July 31, 2022, at Legacy of Salina, Kansas. Lila Lee was born in Palco, Kansas, on June 19, 1932. She was the second oldest child of Cletus and Lois (Cook) Gibson. She married Richard Mitchell on May 27, 1951 and had 4 children.

Lila Lee worked as a med aid at the Delphos rest home for several years. After selling the family farm, she moved with Richard to Central City, Nebraska where they owned and operated the Crest Motel for many years. After Richard’s death, she moved to Beloit, Kansas, where she worked at the Super 8 motel. At the age of 79, she ran circles around her younger teammates, and was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Image award for showing pride in her work, her community, and herself. She worked until the age of 80 when retired and moved to Salina.

Lila Lee is survived by her brother, Dean Gibson (Arlene); sister-in-law, Denise Gibson; her children, Irvin Mitchell (Jennifer), Terry Mitchell (Elaine), Sharon Henning (Kenny), Peggy Garst (Ken). She also had 11 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Cletus and Lois Gibson; husband, Richard Mitchell; her brothers, Bobby, Norman, and Bill Gibson; and a grandchild, Brian Garst.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8pm, with the family present from 6 to 8pm, on Friday, August 5, 2022, at Ryan Mortuary in Salina. Funeral services will be held at 10am on August 6, 2022, at Ryan Mortuary. Burial will follow at the Glasco Cemetery where Lila Lee will be laid to rest next to Richard. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Salina.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared with the family at www.ryanmortuary.com.