Patricia Mitchel

Patricia “Pat” R. Barger Mitchel, 88, formerly of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at Christian Care Retirement Community in Bluffton, where she had been a resident the last four and a half years. She was born April 12, 1935, in Decatur to Harold V. and Sara Jane (Kaehr) Barger. She was married Nov. 21, 1953, to Robert “Bob” Mitchel at Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren, where she was a lifelong member.
She was a Sunday school teacher, serving on many boards and committees. She graduated from Adams Central High School in 1953 and earned her teaching degree from IUPU at Fort Wayne after their five children were born. She taught at Berne Elementary for two years, before starting in 1973 at Adams Central Middle School, retiring in 2001.
She was well-known for her potato salad at the 4-H dining hall and has shared the recipe many times. She loved animals, especially dogs, hosting exchange students, flowers (especially roses) and bird watching. She always had large gardens (the kids called them truck patches) and spent the summer canning and freezing. “Grandma Pat” was her grandkids’ and great-grandkids’ biggest supporter, whether it was sports, choir concerts, school or church programs or 4-H projects. She and her husband loved to attend Indianapolis Colts football games, being season ticket holders since 1991.
She is survived by her husband of 70 years; two daughters, Angela (Jay) Carter of Decatur; and Lee Ann (Ron) Harnish of Bluffton; two sons, Mark (Betty) Mitchel of Decatur; and Gary Mitchel of Laurelville, Ohio; foster daughter, Deb Weis (Dean) Smith of Elgin, Ohio; 13 grandchildren, Sarah (George) Duke of Tucson, Arizona; Keith Carter of Riverview, Florida; Jed (Angel) Carter of Portland; Jeremi (Brad) Schortgen of Monroe; Morgan (Dan) Zoeller of Noblesville; Dusty (Jennifer) Mitchel of Decatur; Katie (Boomer) Sprunger of Berne; Mitch (Bre) Harnish; and Carlee (Brad) Nelson, both of Bluffton; Chandler (Alexis) Harnish of Geneva, Illinois; Piercen (Arissa) Harnish of Ossian; and Andrea Mitchel and Garrett Mitchel, both of Circleville, Ohio; sister, Mary Lou Sprunger of Seymour; sister-in-law, Carolyn Barger of Decatur; 29 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Carla Sue Mitchel; and foster daughter, Sue Weis, both of who passed away following a car accident on Dec. 26, 1978; brother, Philip Barger; and brother-in-law, Rev. Adrian Sprunger.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 18 from 2-7 p.m. at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Friday, May 19 at Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren in rural Decatur. Officiating will be Pastor Jay Carter. Burial will be at Pleasant Dale Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
Arrangements provided by Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com.