Sara Beth Mitchell

Sara Beth (Mathes) Mitchell was born on June 29, 1940, in the quaint town of Grinnell, Iowa, and gently closed the final chapter of her story on July 1, 2026, in Sun City, Arizona. At the age of 86, she gracefully bowed out, citing illness and old age as her cue to close the book we call life.

Sara grew up a city girl in Des Moines, IA, earned her B.A. in Education at University of Dubuque, and began her long career in education in Harvard, IL. It was there that she met and married Robert Mitchell, a fellow educator. Both were an integral part of the small rural community. Sara’s teaching career had many chapters in many locations around the country. They raised their family and made many memories in Harvard and lived in their “starter home” up until they moved permanently to the warmth of Sun City in 2018. For many years prior to that, they enjoyed the “Snowbird” life via a second home in Sun City.

Sara had a knack for keeping life interesting. Her resume included stints as a physical education teacher, an elementary school instructor, and a special education teacher. She spent her days ensuring that every student, especially those who needed an extra hand, felt like they could conquer the world. Sara dedicated her life to teaching with an enthusiasm that could rival any kindergartener on a sugar high.

Her passion for knowledge didn’t end with teaching. She was an avid genealogist, unearthing family secrets and documenting stories with the glee of an armchair detective and biographer. Her outdoor adventures were legendary; whether camping under the stars or simply basking in the wonder of nature, she found magic in every leaf and stone, and many of those came home with her.

Sara was also a formidable opponent in any board game or card game, particularly when playing four-handed cribbage, her father’s favorite, alongside Bob, Chris, and her beloved son-in-law John. Her creative spirit knew no bounds: quilting, writing, or adding her unique flair to any church committee or presbytery meeting. She was the original AI creative and poet. She was a dabbler and a productive procrastinator. She made it a point to always root for the underdog, perhaps because she knew what it was like to lift others up even while standing on tiptoes.

Always a progressive, even in church, as the congregation softly whispered “Amen,” she could be heard adding her signature flourish: “A-women Whoo Hoo!” It was also her little way of making sure everyone knew she was there and was not to be outdone by tradition or what was expected.

Sara was preceded in death by her loving parents, Beula and John Mathes, her cherished son-in-law, John Giovannoni, and her beloved husband of 63 years, Bob. She leaves behind her wonderful family who will carry on her legacy of creativity, laughter and mischief: her son Derek Mitchell and daughter-in-law Shannon, her daughter Chris Mitchell, and her grandchildren Katherine, Alex, Anna, and Margaret Mitchell.

The world is a bit quieter without Sara’s vibrant spirit and frenetic energy, but her innovative spark and heartwarming creativity remain imprinted on all those fortunate enough to have known her.

As we turn the page on her remarkable life, we remember the joy she brought into the world—and perhaps whisper our own little “Whoo Hoo” in her honor.