Nancy Lee Mitchell

Nancy Lee Mitchell, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at Kennybrook Village in Grimes, Iowa.
Nancy was born February 12, 1939 to Walter and Isla (Olson) Wellmann in Cedar Falls, IA. She grew up in the Cedar Falls area where she eventually met and married her husband Gary Mitchell. After their third daughter was born, they moved to Reinbeck, IA, where Gary’s parents farmed and raised cattle. The couple purchased Mitchell’s Flower Basket and Greenhouse, which Nancy, aka “The Ladybug Lady” ran for 13 years while Gary was employed with John Deere. After Gary retired they moved to the farm.
In 2010, Nancy decided to move closer to her children and grandchildren and built a house in Grimes, IA.
Nancy was a “jack of all trades, and a master of none.” She was an accredited member of the honor roll of Wurlitzer organ teachers, church organist, a master floral designer, Past Matron of the Eastern Star, and past Chairperson of the Christian Women’s Club in Reinbeck.
One of her many great joys was researching her family lineage with her daughter Peggy and granddaughter Paige for membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). All three became members (in sequential order) in the Abigail Adams Chapter of Des Moines. She was involved in several committees and served 2 consecutive terms as Chaplain.
Nancy was very talented and delighted people for many years with “Nancy’s Nifty Napkins” programs, including 10 years presenting at the Iowa State Fair, and teaching several classes at Terrace Hill.
Nancy loved to knit, bake, do volunteer work, listen to good music, and loved spending time with her family. While Nancy had several mottos that she lived by, her most favorite was F.R.O.G. – Fully Rely On God - and enjoyed giving out origami frogs to people who in some way touched her life.
She is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Mike) Nieland, Marilee Mitchell, and Valerie Mitchell; grandchildren, Mark (Crystal) Nieland, Peter (Taylor) Nieland, Mitchell Nieland, Paige Mowery (Andrew), Marshall (Samantha) Nieland; great-grandchildren, Maxwell Nieland, Nathan Beaulieu, Samantha Kellum, Harper Whitehead, Kaisen Nieland; godson, Tim (Kathy) Goranson; and so many others who were close enough to her to be considered family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gary.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian of Grimes, 410 SE 3rd St, Grimes, IA, with services at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow on Monday, September 11 at 11:30 a.m. at Grant Township Cemetery in Reinbeck, IA. A celebration of life will be held after the burial at 12:00 p.m. at Amity Presbyterian Church, 1803 Highway D65 in Reinbeck.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated to a charity close to Nancy’s heart at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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