Darlene Ellen Mitchell

     Darlene Ellen (Lewis) Mitchell, 91, of Casper, WY passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026. Darlene was the last daughter born to proud parents Rufus V. Lewis and Edna Lee (Davis) Lewis in Des Moines, Iowa on December 31, 1934. New Year's Eve would became a prominent day for her throughout her life since it was also the day she married Patrick J. Mitchell in 1952. They had six children (Patrick Jr., Janet, Phillip (Dean), Timothy, Shawna, and Thomas) and took in many others over the years. Darlene was also blessed with 15 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Winnifred and Kathleen, son Phillip (Dean), grandson David, Jr., great grandson Austin James. Darlene spent her childhood and early years in Iowa surrounded by a large extended family and her best friend Betty. Darlene loved music and learned to play the accordion. In Iowa, while raising their family, Pat and Darlene worked as farmers. Later, after moving to Wyoming in 1975, Darlene worked 9 years for Converse County in the cemetery in Douglas. In 1984, Pat and Darlene moved to Mesa, Arizona where she worked in a nursing home, in a school cafeteria, and as a hospital switch board operator. Throughout much of this time working outside the home, Darlene was also the primary caregiver for 18 years for her husband Pat after a debilitating injury. Once Darlene retired, her and Pat moved back to Wyoming and settled in Casper. When Pat passed away in 1997, Darlene fought through government red tape for the next 14 years to have him honored with a military funeral. That funeral happened in October of 2011. Darlene caught the travel bug early with her parents taking the three girls on many family road trips, mainly out West. She continued that tradition with her family taking as many road trips as life would allow. Mostly they saw extended family. One of her more exciting trips was when her and Pat won a Caribbean cruise from Wheel of Fortune. A consistent component throughout Darlene's life was the importance of a close family connection. She kept in contact with her many nieces and nephews. She knew them and their families. But more importantly she would share what she knew of them with each other and her kids. Through her, they all stayed close. Another very important part Darlene's life was her friendships and she had many! Whether they met socially, at church, or just through everyday life she cherished those relationships dearly. Per Darlene's wishes Pastor Dan will preside at a graveside service only to be held at Highland Cemetery on Monday, July 27th at 10:00 AM. Darlene, go walk with our Heavenly Father and we will meet again on the other side of the rainbow just as you asked.