1931-2026
Jane Turnbull Mitchell was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to parents, Jasper Robert Turnbull and Lulu Jessie Turnbull on November 25, 1931 and passed peacefully to her heavenly home on April 17, 2026 in her Guthrie home at the age of 94.
Jane is survived by children: Mark Mitchell (Karen), Edmond, OK; Michal Small (James), NYC, NY; Robin Briggs (Jeff), Stillwater, OK; John Mitchell, Atlanta, GA; Van Mitchell, Guthrie, OK; Brad Mitchell (Andrea), Beaverton, OR; Grandchildren: Kyle Briggs (Kristy) Stillwater, OK; Megan C. Mitchell, NYC, NY; Ryan P. Mitchell, Edmond, OK; John Small, Boston, MA; Annelise (Annie) Small, Denver, CO; Andrew Small, NYC, NY; Grayson Turnbull Mitchell and Hadley Michelle Mitchell, Beaverton, OR; Great grandchildren, Karsten Briggs, Kaimana (Kai) Briggs, Stillwater, OK; Nephew and nieces: Rick Turnbull, Arcadia, OK; nephew, Scott’s wife, Carolyn Turnbull, Austin, TX; Jane Turnbull, OKC, OK; Mark Turnbull, Midwest City, OK; and Kay Turnbull Walters, Edmond, OK.
Jane was welcomed into her heavenly home by her parents; husband, Kenneth; brother, John Turnbull; sister-in-law, Aileen Turnbull; granddaughter, Jennifer Lea Briggs; and nephew, Scott Turnbull.
Jane married Kenneth D. Mitchell on June 26, 1959. They moved to a home off of Lake Guthrie where they lived for 61 years until Kenneth’s passing in 2020. Jane remained in the same home until her passing.
Jane attended Monmouth College in Illinois and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1954 with a BFA in Fine Arts. While at OSU, she was a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and was currently a long-standing member of the P.E.O., (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood, Chapter AD, supporting women’s education.
She continued her talent upon graduation with Standard Oil drawing geological maps. She also wrote calligraphy on Biblical pages which can be found on the altar at First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City, her home church until moving to Guthrie.
After Jane’s marriage to Kenneth, she moved to Guthrie and attended First United Methodist Church of Guthrie. Jane raised
Jane Turnbull Mitchell
many children besides her six with extended family including her nephews, nieces and family friends, Jan Taylor Bugby and Jeff Taylor. Jane was a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Sunday school leader, chauffeur for six kids traveling all over Guthrie and the state driving kids to competitions, birthday parties and activities. She was an avid seamstress making most of the kids’ clothes in the early years, and an avid book reader, especially murder mysteries and would average 5-7 books a week!
After raising her beloved children, who were spaced out every two years, she felt compelled to return to the professional work force and found her passion as a Legislative Assistant for the Oklahoma House of Representatives for seven different Representatives, a career that lasted 27 years, driving back and forth daily between Guthrie and the Oklahoma state capitol in Oklahoma City.
Besides being a SUPER MOM (and Super Grandma), Jane dedicated her talents to the ‘89er Parade in Guthrie for over 50 years, providing the parade dignitary signs and the welcome signs used in Guthrie promoting the parade, even riding on the floats as the Pioneer Woman with all of her sons participating as the Pioneer Boys over the years. She also provided for her Saints, (not her children) her St. Bernard dogs, having owned seven (not all at once) all with bear names such as Teddy and Kuma (Japanese) for bear. Jane also loved cats and kittens having once adopted up to 27 at one time, feeding all in strategic positions outside the house.
In lieu of flowers, the Mitchell family requests donations be made to the Guthrie Public Library as Friends of the Library in remembrance of Jane Mitchell, 101 N 2nd, Guthrie, OK 73044.
God opened his arms for an earthly angel, Jane, who gave the warmest hugs, said she loved you and meant it and did not have a mean bone in her body.
The Mitchell family would like to especially recognize Companion Hospice and Companion Private Duty staff for giving love, care and companionship this past year for our mother, the Mercy Health staff on S. Division in Guthrie and to our brother, Van, who gave selfless care and companionship as a caregiver for so many years.
In order to arrange schedules, a celebration of life will be announced at a later time.
Services are under the direction of Hayes Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at hayesfh.com.