Mitchell, Carol Lee

Carol Lee Mitchell, 52, of Coralville, died peacefully March 14, 2013, at Mercy Iowa City in the loving care of her devoted sister, Anna, and her loving husband, Rich Rowray.

Carol was born March 14, 1961, in Pawnee City, Neb., the daughter of Raymond and Kathleen (Broxterman) Mitchell. Carol grew up on a working farm in Frankfort, Kan., with her six brothers and three sisters. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1979 and Kansas State University in 1984 before settling in Coralville, Iowa in 1988. In 1996, Carol began dating Rich and they married Aug. 3, 2002.

Carol was known for always thinking about others. She would often send a sweet note, leave a few chocolates, or make any number of other thoughtful gestures to her family and friends just to let them know how much she cared. Her kindness extended to animals as well. Stray cats and dogs always seemed to find their way to Carol, and she worked with local rescue organizations to help fill her home with animals in need.

Thanks to Rich, one of Carol's many passions was ballroom dancing. Together they taught ballroom dance to thousands of couples over the years through Kirkwood Community College. Carol's grace and elegance were never more evident than when she was on the dance floor, and she and Rich helped to build a meaningful social dancing community in the Iowa City and Coralville area.

Carol was a dedicated professional who had a long career at ACT, where she built a team of outstanding employees in the item banking unit of the Education Division. The team has been a great support to Carol during her illness this past year, sending a steady stream of flowers and countless cards and letters.

Carol touched everyone she knew with her love of life and her positive spirit. Her beautiful smile and the sparkle in her eyes will be missed by so many, but we take comfort in knowing she is at peace and watching over us from heaven.

Carol is survived by her husband, Rich, the love of her life; her mother, Kathleen Mitchell; three sisters, Anna, Diane and Marlene; six brothers, John, Wayne, Joe, Steve, Bob and Vince; and 57 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Mitchell.

A ceremony in celebration of Carol's life will begin promptly at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at The Celebration Farm in Iowa City. Following the ceremony, a dance will be held in her honor until 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Carol may be made to the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, the Carol L. Mitchell (CLM) Dance Fund, or Iowa City Hospice.

The Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services, Muscatine, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.

Published March 16, 2013 in The Gazette