Obituary
W. A. Mitchell, Jr.
Wilmer Ashford Mitchell, Jr., died of a heart attack on November 20, 2017 in Green Valley, Arizona, where he had spent the winter months for the last several years.
Bill was born in Roundup, Montana, on January 26, 1926 to Wilmer Ashford Mitchell and Margaret Helen (Reeploeg) Mitchell. With his younger brother, Richard G. (Dick), the family moved to Miles City in 1933 when his father established the W. A. Mitchell Company which initially managed farm and ranch properties.
Growing up in Miles City, Bill attended Lincoln School, Washington Junior High, and Custer County High School, graduating in 1944. Bill was junior class president and played basketball during high school. Baseball was a favorite activity. Many days were spent playing at the high school bowl. During his high school years, Bill played American Legion Baseball. Bill was a catcher while his brother Dick was a pitcher. The Miles City teams were quite successful and well-regarded.
As soon as he graduated from high school in June 1944, Bill joined the Army. He completed basic training at Camp Barkeley, Albany, Texas. Most of the young men he trained with were deployed to Europe and killed in the Battle of the Bulge, but Bill had been held back to help train the next group of soldiers. During World War II he served in India and China, primarily in administrative positions, including time as a hospital clerk in Quyanug, China, and an office administrator in Calcutta, India. He often commented that the typing classes he had taken in high school saved him. He was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in June 1946.
Thanks to the G.I. bill, Bill enrolled at the University of Montana (then Montana State University) in 1946 where he was active in the Beta Delta Chapter of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Bill lettered in baseball for all four years and was co-captain of the team his senior year. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration in 1950.
Following further education on insurance in Hartford, Connecticut, Bill returned to Miles City where he joined the W. A. Mitchell Company. He continued to play baseball on a semi-pro Miles City team in the Midland Empire League.
On June 10, 1951, Bill married Avis Jean Baldwin at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Their children, Laura Ann and William Ashford, were born in Miles City.
Bill was an independent insurance agent for 53 years from 1950 until his retirement in October 2003. While he was active in the business he served as President of the Montana Association of Independent Insurance Agents (1969-1970), as a member of the national Travelers Leadership Council, and the USF&G National Advisory Council (1980-1990). He valued the relationship he had with his customers greatly, striving to help them in their endeavors. This involved frequent trips to the country to deliver policies to farm and ranch customers, talks with young drivers when they first obtained their drivers license (especially talking about safety and the good student discount), and being his customers’ strongest advocate in dealings with the insurance companies. Thus, he was well-respected by the insurance companies as well as his customers. The motto of the W. A. Mitchell Agency was, “The Agency of Service.”
Miles City and civic involvement were very important to Bill. He and his family were instrumental in establishing the Town and Country Club and the Waterworks Museum (formerly the Custer County Art Center). He was a member of: the Jaycees (president 1957) when they helped revitalize the Bucking Horse Sale, created the Jaycee Park, and brought Louis Armstrong to perform at the high school auditorium; Miles City Rotary Club (president 1956); Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce (president 1971); Town and Country Club (president 1963 -1965); Teachers Retirement Board, State of Montana, (member 1963); Miles City Unified School Board (president 1977); director of the First National Bank, Miles City; elder, First Presbyterian Church; University of Montana Alumni Board, University of Montana Foundation Board, and Grizzly Athletic Association; Holy Rosary Healthcare Foundation Board; Miles City Club; and the Custer County Art Center Foundation Board of Directors. Bill frequently said he was happy to have lived in Miles City during the times he did; he felt the Miles City community was very special.
Bill’s hobbies and interests included big band and jazz music, playing racquetball until he was in his seventies, travel, and following sports of all kinds but particularly Miles City football and basketball, American Legion baseball, and the Montana Grizzly football and basketball teams. Bill was an avid golfer, having played his last round of golf last week and shooting a 47 on his nine hole round, something he proudly shared in a phone call with his son a few days later.
Bill and Avis endowed scholarships in business, music, and the visual arts at the University of Montana as well as provided scholarships for Custer County high school graduates.
As family and business responsibilities decreased, Bill and Avis traveled extensively. They visited more than 50 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Caribbean, and North and South America. A special highlight was a 50-day trip taken in early 2001 to commemorate Bill and Avis’ 50th wedding anniversary.
Following Avis’ death on January 17, 2006, Bill and Ardis Zumpf became companions. Bill, Avis, Ardis and her husband, Bill, had been good friends and the couples had traveled together and shared many experiences in Miles City. Ardis and Bill lived in Green Valley during winter months and Miles City during summer months. They enjoyed golf, bridge, concerts, and other social activities together and were grateful to have one another’s companionship following the death of their spouses.
Bill is survived by his daughter Laura Mitchell Ross and her husband John Walker Ross, his son William Mitchell and his partner Connie Nance, granddaughters Heather Mitchell Kimball and her husband Brian Kimball, Lindsey Mitchell, Hillary Ross, and Elizabeth Ross, great grandchildren Braylon and Kailana Kimball, and his companion Ardis Zumpf. He is also survived by his brother Richard G. Mitchell, Sr., and his wife Margaret of Green Valley and many nieces and nephews.
His family and friends will remember him as a principled and generous man.
Visitation will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Art Center Foundation, P.O. Box 1284, Miles City, Montana 59301.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 28, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday November 28, 2017
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Visitation
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday November 27, 2017
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Share
Lynn and Trudy Winslow says
What a wonderful man. We are so glad we got to know him on and off the golf course. He will be missed!
Martha Crandall says
My sympathy.
Bruce Wilson says
Bill was one of the good guys, A truly unforgettable gentleman .
Condolences to Billy, Laurie, and all the family .
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Prayers to Bill’s family for their loss. Bill will always be remembered for the gentleman he was and for all that he did for others.
Sharon Bixler Oftedal says
We’re going to be reading and hearing the word “Gentleman” frequently pertaining to Bill. When my husband decided to start his own construction company, it was Bill who gave him excellent business advice. Bill served as a valued mentor for nearly 50 years, and he was a wonderful friend much longer than that. Miles City has lost an incredibly generous person–we’ll miss him forever.
Our sympathy goes out to his family and to Ardis.
Carolyn Kimball says
Such a wonderful and gracious man! Condolences to Ardis and his family.
Mark Browning & Chrysti Smith says
We hope comfort can be appreciated by Ardis and family knowing his long, rich life earned the respect and love of those close to him.
A true friend.
Mariah Grover says
My thoughts are with Laura and the Mitchell Family. Elizabeth and her grandpa wrote so many letters back and forth to each other when we were in college. I will be thinking of you.
Laura Rottrup says
My thoughts and prayers are with Laura Ross and her family. I grew up with Elizabeth and Hillary and remember their grandpa from many of our conversations. He was well-respected and loved.
Berl E. (Butch) Stallard says
The Mitchell’s have been a mainstay in Miles City since I was born. My father, M. Berl Stallard and I (Butch) played many rounds of golf with all of them. I enjoyed my rounds of golf and interactions with all of the Mitchell’s. My condolences to all of the family members.
Berl E. (Butch) Stallard
Mary Ann Stockhill Liles & Jim Liles says
“Pillar of the Community” is a cliche that in this case is entirely appropriate, for it describes Bill Mitchell. He always stopped to talk or trade comments about the market or the happenings in town when he saw us. He was polite and wise and approachable, always willing to offer business advice. Miles City has lost a wonderful man. Our sympathy to Ardis and all the members of Bill’s family.
Jim & Mary Ann
Maureen Larson says
My sympathy and prayers go out to all of Bill’s family and to Ardis. A true gentleman in every sense of the word and may you rest in peace, Bill.
Dean Holmes says
to all of Miles City, you have lost one of the greats of Miles City. Always willing to share advice for your city. I will miss Bill. During his life he left a mark on all of us. As usual the last time I talked to Bill was at a golf course in Green Valley AZ. To the entire family our sympathy from Rose and Dean Holmes.
Maureen O'Reilly says
I was so fortunate to work for, and with Bill, for many years. He was the greatest boss anyone could have and cared so much for his employees. Miles City hos lost a star member of this community. My sympathy to Bill, Laura, Ardis and all of Bill’s family.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to Bill, Laura, Ardis and all of the family. As mentioned many times he definitely left his mark on this community and he will be missed. Cherish the memories!
Margaret Mathers Novak says
We Bill and Charlotte Mathers “girls” were so fortunate to grow up and older with Bill and Avis, Laurie and Billy, as beloved family friends. We sat behind and beside each other in worship; we enjoyed Sunday evenings in each other’s homes, and golf Calcutta’s and concerts and travels together. What a lovely era it was. And Bill Mitchell’s steady, honorable ways were at the center of it all. We will be forever grateful for this lovely friendship. Our sympathy to Bill, Laura and their families, and to Ardis, Bill’s dear companion of the last 15 years.
Doug and Lucy Benge says
Family, Ardis and All,
We are saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. Very few, if any, have left their mark on Miles City and friends as Bill did. He had so many great qualities. In business he was savvy, intellectual, and professional. In the community he was extremely supportive, attending just about every event, generous with time and resources. Socially, we remarked many times that we hoped we aged with the grace, class and overall presence that he did. He treated everyone with courtesy, respect and genuine interest in you. He will be missed by many. Best wishes to all family and special friend Ardis.
Bobbi Askin says
Gary and I are so sad to hear of Bill’s passing. We so enjoyed the times we played golf with Bill and Ardis and then had dinner afterwards. We all had so much fun. I also enjoyed working with Bill on the Finance Committee at the First Presbyterian Church. I remember him telling me one day after a meeting how much I was like my Dad and how much he appreciated me being on the committee with him. He and I thought a lot alike. We will miss him very much. Our prayers and blessings are with his family at this time. Bobbi and Gary Askin
Nancy Torgrimson Gerch says
I’m so sad about Uncle Bill’s passing. I have wonderful childhood memories of the time our families spent together. I’m glad I was able to see you, Laurie and Billy and families, while in Billings this time. Thinking of all of you…
Sheila Miles says
So sorry to hear about Mr. Mitchell’s passing. I mostly knew Avis; they bought my work and were so so Supportive when I was an artist-in-residence at the CCAC in 1983-84. They had a contemporary eye which gave me a lot of confidence in what I was doing. And just the nicest people one could know.
Mary Beth Cline James says
A life well lived and an example to all on how to be a more compassionate, caring human being. It is a wonderful tribute when an entire community mourns the passing of an individual.
Mary Beth Cline James
Williams Family says
Condolences to the Mitchell family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your whole family. Psalms 147:3 says God, “heals the broken hearted, and binds up their wounds.” May God bring you comfort and peace.
Jan and Steve VanFossen says
Our condolences on the loss of Bill. He was always such a gentleman and a kind man, and we were very grateful to know him. We hope that all the Mitchell family knows that we care and keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Treba Hollowell says
What a loss for Miles City. Bill was such a wonderful boss and mentor to my dad. Dad and Mom always spoke of the Mitchell family with complete respect and admiration. Bill was completely instrumental in the blessings we experienced. My best to his family. He will be missed.
Glen, Debbie & Steven Kimball says
To the Mitchell Family,
So sorry for your loss. May your happy memories help you all to smile when you need them most. Sending our love, hugs and prayers to all of you.
Glen, Debbie & Steven Kimball
Betty O'Brien says
I remember Bill fondly and so it is very sad to hear of his passing. What a great man and he will be so missed I moved from Miles City over 50 years ago but remember most of the ones left there. My prayers and sympathy goes to the Mitchell family,
Betty O'Brien says
I already sent a remark – above this one..
Bob & Sandy Short says
It is hard to imagine Miles City without Bill Mitchell. He was involved in so many things for the betterment of the community, and he never seemed to change. Last spring he looked the same as he did 50 years ago. He was a fortunate man with a loving family and a second chance for love with Ardis. You have many wonderful memories to help you through the sorrow.
Terry and Jan Wagner says
Many people use the word mentor and Bill truly was a mentor to our generation. He taught us to participate and give back to the community, and encouraged involvement in causes he considered worthy. I enjoyed working with him on Art Center and Foundation and when we needed art for the Dining room at the Town and Country Club, he provided it, as he provided support for many other projects . He made Miles City and many of us better people. God Bless all of you.