TRAFALGAR
Barbara Louise (Allen) Mitchell, 93, a beloved woman of faith and Child of God, passed peacefully from death into heavenly eternal life and the arms of Jesus on Saturday morning, October 26, 2024, with her loving family by her side in her final hours on earth.
Barbara was born on April 30, 1931, at home in Franklin, IN to Roy and Marie (Griffith) Allen. She was the eldest of five children and early in life the family moved to the home built by her father on State Road 252 in Trafalgar.
After graduating first in her class from Nineveh HS in 1949, Barbara briefly attended Minnesota Bible College. On August 6, 1950 she married “the boy next door,” Lance (Dale) Mitchell, and they shared a faithful life together for 71 years. They raised a family of five and served God and others with abounding love.
Barbara was a tender and devoted Caregiver her entire life, beginning with the love and care of her own younger siblings growing up. She found great joy in raising her family and serving others in the community, which included caring for over 70+ children of working parents and her own grandchildren throughout her lifetime.
Barbara was a member of Union Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for 82 years, where she served as pianist and organist for over 75 years. She and her husband, Dale, who led singing, loved praising the Lord with their musical gifts and ministry. Barbara also served the church as a Sunday School and VBS teacher and caregiver in the nursery.
Barbara shared with her family the value of hard work-ethics, and she did so by example. In addition to the daily tasks of raising five children, she supported her husband on the family farm, spent summers in the garden, and with her husband, Barbara cleaned banks and churches for 50 years.
Barbara loved God and others well her entire life, studying and memorizing scripture daily and living her life with a Christ-like spirit of service, unselfish and unconditional love and forgiveness, and a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Marie Allen, her brother, Robert Allen, her husband, Dale, and son, Lennis. Blessed with a large, loving extended family, those who live on with precious memories of Barbara are brothers Larry Allen and John (Martha) Allen, and a sister Cheryl (Paul) Christen, along with 4 children, son Bruce (Kim) Mitchell, and daughters Janet Schantz, Judy (Joe) Wells, and Jill (Allen) Whitehurst, and daughter-in-law Ellen Mitchell. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren (many of whom she lovingly helped raise), 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Union Christian Church, 1331 East 300 South, Franklin, Indiana with Rev. Mark Parkinson officiating. Friends may call on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to time of service at the church. Burial will follow the service at First Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Franklin.
Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home in Franklin is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Allendale Christian Camp (4605 South Allendale Drive, Trafalgar, IN 46181) or Union Christian Church (1331 East 300 South, Franklin, IN 46131)
