Hettie Parker-Mitchell Obituary

Former Durango resident Hettie "Ilene" Parker-Mitchell died Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, in Carlsbad, N.M. She was 80.

Mrs. Parker-Mitchell was born to David Gaston and Irene (Allen) Parker on Nov. 11, 1930, in Mayhill, N.M. She lived with her family in Mayhill until moving to Carlsbad in 1942.

She married Arthur "Mac" Mitchell on Oct. 30, 1948, in Carlsbad, and they had two children, Melanie and Arthur.

In 1957, the Mitchells moved to Durango, where Mr. Mitchell worked as an electrician and Mrs. Parker-Mitchell took on various roles.

She was involved in volunteer work of one type or another. In Durango, the Mitchells became foster parents. In a 17-year period, they took care of 49 foster children and 17 newborns before the children were adopted into their new families. While keeping their foster children, the Mitchells "fell hopelessly in love" with three of them and adopted them, daughter, De Mitchell and sons Shawn Malcolm Mitchell and Joseph Able Aragon.

While raising her younger children, Mrs. Parker-Mitchell served the Durango Church of Christ, taught Sunday school and enjoyed quality time with friends. During this time, she also ran a boarding house and antique shop at 1017 East Third Ave. In Durango, it was well-known as "The White House."

As their parents were aging in Carlsbad, the Mitchells moved back to help in 1979.

Mrs. Parker-Mitchell volunteered at The Cat's Meow and at the CARC Farm. She taught Sunday school at Southside Church of Christ. She ran a successful candy shop in the Carlsbad mall, was part owner of the Courtesy Pawn Shop and ran a successful antique shop on the Cavern Highway.

At the age of 65, Mrs. Parker-Mitchell became an accomplished poet and published more than 400 poems.

Mrs. Parker-Mitchell was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Arthur Malcolm Mitchell.

She is survived by her children Melanie (Mitchell) Pillmore of Utah, Arthur Michael Mitchell of Arkansas, and Shawn Malcolm Mitchell, De Heft and Joseph Aragon, all of Carlsbad; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, Aug. 12, 2011, at the Southside Church of Christ, 3217 Old Cavern Highway in Carlsbad.