Josephine Mitchell (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Josephine C. Mitchell 61 passed away on February 3rd, 2024, at Mercy Hospital Springfield after a difficult illness.
Josie was born in Olongapo, Zambales, Philippines on July 27th, 1962, to Teresita Delas LLagas and later joined by her stepfather Kenneth Hayes in 1964 when he married her mother and brought them both to the USA.
She met her spouse James G. Mitchell in Adak, Alaska. They were married in December 1984, sharing 39 years of marriage and even more memories.
While James was on active duty in the Navy, Josie was successful in many different avenues of employment while raising and supporting her family. Multiple relocations and personal loss did not sway the love and loyalty she instilled in her family and friends. Ultimately settling in Southwest Missouri in 1996, her proudest accomplishment was that of being a fantastic grandmother, doing anything and everything she could for her grandchildren. Aside from her biological family she also openly welcomed many bonus “children” and “grandchildren” over the years.
Josie loved to have people around her whether it be playing bingo, having game nights with family and friends, or holiday get togethers. You could always count on Josie being the life of the party wherever she was. She was thoughtful, welcoming, and loyal to all those who played a part in her life. Josie also had a passion for animals, rescuing and sheltering many over her lifetime. It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to such a loving woman.
Josie is preceded in death by her parents and two infant sons John and Willard
Josie is survived by her husband James, daughter Tina Milan and husband Erik, grandchildren Lyric, Forte, and Cadence Payton, siblings Julia Palermo, Willie Delas LLagas, Ricky Delas LLagas, Lynn Murphy, and David Hayes and nieces and nephews and bonus children and grandchildren Sami Vastine, mother of Gavin Stiles and Nikki Bonner, mother of Rhapsody Stiles and Chance Stiles
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, February 12, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Monday, February 12, 2024, at the funeral home.
Burial will follow at Sentinel Cemetery.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine Mitchell please visit our Sympathy Store.
What’s your fondest memory of Josephine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Josephine?
Share a story where Josephine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Josephine you’ll never forget.
How did Josephine make you smile?

