Above / Every Thanksgiving the Mitchell family gets together for one of two annual reunions. Many times since 2001, photos of PN readers have been part of the picture. (PN File Photo 2014)
With plans to celebrate a wonderful life, goodness of heart, freedom of spirit and love for family, I am remembering my mother, Carol Mitchell Crookston, as she finds much-deserved peace in her unseen goal.
A couple of years ago, my father, now 93, who cared for my mother at home until she moved into a memory care apartment last March, gave me his hand-written thoughts to type for my mother’s obituary.
At that time, my very organized dad suggested that we get his obituary ready, too. And we did.
God bless all caregivers—especially my brother and his wife in Muncie—and Hospice nurses who assist families when loved ones need 24-hour memory care.
—Stephanie Penick
Updated August 11, 2016
Carol (Mitchell) Crookston / Sept. 2, 1927-Aug. 8, 2016
Carol Lavonne (Mitchell) Crookston was born September 2, 1927, in Battle Ground, Indiana, to Marion Paul Mitchell and Gertrude (Rowan) Mitchell.
In her youth, Carol raised and showed cattle at the county and state fairs before graduating from Battle Ground High School in June 1945.
After graduation, Carol worked at Alcoa in Lafayette as a steno and secretary.
At a chance meeting on August 19, 1945, Carol met Don J. Crookston in the Sweet Shop in the Memorial Building at Purdue University. The couple was married on February 14, 1947, by Rev. Roberts and Rev. Williams in the Methodist Church in Battle Ground.
Carol was a loving full-time mother who also devoted time as secretary for her husband’s construction business.
Carol is survived by her husband; her 2 sisters, Marjorie Heman and Ruth Weekley; and a brother, Rev. Phillip Mitchell. Five of her siblings — Jessie, Jean, Floyd, David and Francis — are with our Lord.
Carol also is survived by her 3 children, Stephanie Penick (husband, Jim), James Richard (wife, Barbara), and Donald Jay (wife, Cathy); 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
The Mitchell family is well-known for their large family reunions twice a year as well as monthly “Family Days” when the siblings meet to keep connected with their wonderful memories and family news.
Carol and Don moved to Muncie in 1948.
Always active in her children’s lives as their first teacher, Carol served as a room mother and scout leader. She belonged to the Delphian Society, Mother’s Study Club, several ballroom dance clubs, Green Hills Country Club and several longstanding bridge clubs. She was a member of College Avenue Methodist Church.
In 1992, Carol established “Grandma’s Scholarship Fund” for her eight grandchildren as they began to attend college. The results produced 8 B.S. degrees, 3 M.S. degrees and 1 PhD.
She volunteered at Ball Memorial Hospital for more than 45 years where she shared her smile and good nature.
Every Christmas since 1955, Carol looked forward to glistening colored holiday lights on the large fir tree at the entrance to Rolling Oaks, a tradition that always has brought good neighbors together in the joyful spirit of the season.
Carol always will be remembered as a fantastic mother to Stephanie and her husband, Jim; Jim and his wife, Barbara; and Jay and his wife, Cathy; an excellent grandmother to Andy and Angie Crookston, Ashley, Timothy and Jeff Penick; and Tyler, Benjamin and Claire Ann Crookston. With all her love and experience, Carol was a World Class Great Grandmother to Nicholas and Isaac Crookston; and Jaden, Peyton and Alexandra Wagoner; and Carter Crookston.
Arrangements are being made by Parson Mortuary in Muncie, Indiana, with Rev. Phillip Mitchell, Carol’s brother, officiating.
