Maxine J. Mitchell, age 90 of Pearl City, IL, died Saturday, October 11, 2014 Maxine was born May 7, 1924 on Blackhawk Road, Kent, IL to Hollis and Ethel Ortmeier. She lived most of her life in the Pearl City area. She married William A. Koch who lost his life in World War II, and then married Jay D. Mitchell on November 27, 1948 in Pearl City. She graduated from Pearl City High School in 1942. She worked at F.A. Reed Department Store, Micro Switch, and the former Unicorn Tea Room. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pearl City and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Surviving are her children, Douglas (Bonnie) Mitchell of Winnebago, Brad (Debbie) Mitchell of Morrison, CO, Martha Mitchell of Macomb, Lori (Joel) Kempel of Pearl City, Luann (Perry) Byers of Byron, daughter-in-law Teri Mitchell of Oregon, WI.

A loving mother and wonderful grandmother she is survived by Nicole and Sean Epp, Angie and Jerome Alton, Amy Mitchell, Becky and Erik Olsen, Stacy and Matt Mueller, Rob and Clark Strohecker, Jed and Elizabeth Kempel, Coe and Samantha Kempel, Jace Kempel (Danielle Sodko), Lauren and Bobbie Mitchell, Brix, Bryn, and Base Byers, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two nieces, Molly Clemons and Mary Clark.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jay; parents; son, Mark; and first husband, William.

A sharing of the joys of her life will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pearl City on Saturday, October 18 at 11:00 AM; Rev. Ekstrand officiating. There will be a visitation before the service beginning at 9:00 AM. A private burial will be held by the family at Highland Cemetery in Pearl City. A memorial fund has been established.