Maxine Mitchell of Omaha and formerly of Fremont, passed away at 97 on Saturday, September 16,
2023, with her son at her side. She was born April 21, 1926 in Sutton, Nebraska, to Wesley and Helen
MacDonald.
"Max", as she often liked to be called, graduated from Sutton High School in 1944 and received her
Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in 1948. She was a teacher and principal of
the high school in Lyons, Nebraska from 1948 to 1950. Married to Leroy P. (Pete) Mitchell in Sutton on
May 28, 1950, they moved to Chester, Nebraska where Pete was also teaching.
After moving to Fremont in 1953, Max was secretary to Lester A. Walker, Publisher of the Fremont
Tribune. In the 1970s she taught in the interdisciplinary program at Midland University. In 1975, she
took a leap into the business world and established and operated a gift shop, The Selective Eye, until her
retirement in 1990.
She was active in P.E.O., Chapter GH; the Fremont Area Art Association (FAAA) and various book clubs.
An accomplished writer, she was published often in various national magazines including the Cresset;
Jack and Jill; Highlights for Children and others.
Survivors include her son, Jay and his husband, David Craft of Norfolk, VA; several nieces and nephews in
Nebraska and Iowa and a gaggle of very close friends of many years. There will be no service at her
request, but there will be a celebration party in the near future for her family and close friends!
Inurnment of her remains will be at a later date at the Sutton cemetery. Dugan Funeral Chapel is in
charge of arrangements.
Many thanks to the outstanding care given in her last few days from True North Home Care and Endless
Journey Hospice.
Memorials may be given to the P.E.O Home in Beatrice, NE; to the Fremont Area Art Association or to
the Immanuel Community Foundation.