Willard "Bill" Okla Mitchell

Willard "Bill" Okla Mitchell, 74, passed away on May 30, 2009, at St. Charles's Medical Center in Bend of natural causes.

Born October 4, 1934 in Eugene to Brady and Flora Mitchell, he was the youngest of nine children.

He married Patience "Pat" Poinsett, of Denver, Colorado, on September 25, 1954.

Bill served in the United States Air Force for four years. After returning to the Northwest, Bill and Pat moved to Albany, where Bill opened Dollar Auto Sales and Wrecking, as well as Gem Motors.

In 1971, the Mitchell family moved to Sisters, where Bill worked as a land developer, automobile re-builder, and mechanic.

He was an avid hunter, trapper, fisherman, and enjoyed spending time with his immediate and extended family.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; his children, Linda (married to Glenn Swearingen), Wayne Mitchell (married to Connie), Dale Mitchell (married to Brenda), and Steve Mitchell; brother Allie Mitchell; and sisters Oval Dixon, Jewel Gregory, and Fern Grosbeck; and grandchildren, Shelly Alilunas, Ryan Swearingen, Jonathan Mitchell, Austin Mitchell, Frances Mitchell, Cassielle Mitchell, and Carrington Mitchell.

Services will be held at New Hope Christian Church, in Sisters, at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2009. Pastor Frank Fraga will preside.