Obituary of Avanell Maxine Mitchell

Bedford – Avanell Maxine Mitchell, 88, of Bedford, died at 5:23 am on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at White River Lodge. Born March 20, 1928 in Lawrence Co., she was the daughter of Norman Richard Olson, Sr. and Myrtle Grace (Studley) Olson. She married her high school sweetheart, Lester Wayne “Coke” Mitchell on July 30, 1948 and he preceded her in death on November 16, 2009. She was a clerical worker at Dunn Memorial Hospital and worked with her family at the N.R. the Olson Real Estate and Insurance Agency. After her retirement, she volunteered as a Pink Lady at Dunn Memorial Hospital. Survivors include three daughters, Brenda Stogsdill and husband, Jim, Debbie “Red” Miller and husband, Steve, all of Bedford and Cheryl Strickler, of Bloomington; three grandchildren, Melissa Beasley, of Albuquerque, NM, Brandon Brown, of Bedford and Cody Strickler, of Bloomington; two great grandchildren, Ethan Brown, and Madelynn Strickler; a brother, Volney Olson, and wife, Zenobia, of Bedford; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Olson; close personal friend, Debi Deer, and husband, Phil, who are considered family. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Norman Olson, Jr. , and a sister, Gaynel Meglemre. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 10th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with John Flinn officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday, January 9th at the Day & Carter Mortuary. The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to the Lawrence County Boys and Girls Club. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.