Melvin Adams Mitchell

Melvin "Mel" Adams Mitchell, age 89, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 26, 2025 in St. George, Utah. He was born April 20, 1935 to Sarah and Elmer Orton Mitchell in Parowan, Utah.

Mel grew up in Parowan Utah working in the family business, "Mitchell Lumber Company". Working in the lumber mill gave Mel the opportunity to spend a lot of his free time hunting and fishing in the beautiful mountains surrounding his home. He loved sports and participated in football, basketball, track and baseball for Parowan High School. He was student body President and was loved by his fellow students. He was handsome, kind, and had a calm disposition.

After graduating from Parowan High School Mel attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a degree in accounting. While attending Brigham Young University he met Marveen Elliott. They were married in the St. George Temple on October 26, 1956. Together they had two children. They spent much of their married life raising their children in San Diego, Ca.

Later they moved to Logan Utah and parted ways. Mel met his current wife and sweetheart, Marita Nadine Woodbury. They were married December 30, 1986 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Nadine had 5 children from a previous marriage, Mel had two children from his previous marriage and together they adopted 1 child. Mel and Nadine lived in Logan, Utah for many years. However, they would spend the winters in St. George, Utah and moved back to Logan during the summer. They finally decided to make St. George their permanent home.

Mel is preceded in death by his parents Sarah and Elmer Mitchell. His siblings Marlene Thayne and Charles Ronald Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife Nadine, his siblings Marilyn Pendelton and Gilbert Mitchell. Eight Children: John Prue (Shauna Jo), Randy Mitchell (Heidi), SherRon (Smith) , Kelly Esplin (Craig), LaDawn Larson (Steve) Sean M. Prue, LJ Prue (Tamara), and James W. Mitchell(Heather). He is also survived by 32 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

Nadine wanted to add a little more about the "Love Of Her Life"

I just lost the "Love and Light of My Life" after 38 years and 27 days of marriage. We were married December 30, 1986, in the Jordan River Temple. As I am slowly adjusting to my loss, I want to personally pay tribute to the wonderful man, husband, father and friend. I have never regretted a single day that I spent with him. He was my rock.

Mel, being this man of character, was a friend to everyone and everyone loved and emulated him.

Mel was never one to tout his accomplishments. During his younger years, he was always a leader in his class and was the Student Body President at Parowan High School in 1953. He was a star athlete and lettered in all sports- basketball, football, track, and baseball. His classmates, who he loved so much, have told me how much he was loved and respected. The younger ones have told me how Mel was always their mentor. He was a role model. They all wanted to be like Mel Mitchell - popular, handsome, athletic, considerate, kind and gentle.

After retiring, Mel and Nadine served an LDS mission in the New Zealand, Australia area office in 2000. Mel's master's degree in finance qualified him to transfer the tax system in Australia to a flat tax, it was quite a task. That was a wonderful mission, and Mel loved serving there.

In 2003, we were called to teach English at the Guanghua School in Wuhan, China. He was the LDS zone leader for Wuhan. He truly loved his calling and was adored by the teachers and the people of China.

Mel loved sports and participated in the Huntsman Senior Games for 20 years. He played basketball, racquetball and golf. When he was 80, he received a gold medal.

Until his stroke, five years ago, he participated in sports everyday of his life - basketball, racquetball, golf or working out at the rec center.
After his stroke he was affected by vascular dementia that curtailed his activities, but Mel remained kind, loving and appreciative.

We all return our forever love to him as he was a blessing in our lives. His light will forever shine in our hearts.