Sina 'Pat' Mitchell, 95

Sina Mae Baker Mitchell (Pat) passed away peacefully Dec. 2, 2024. She was 95 years old. Pat, as most people knew her, was born Nov. 15, 1929, to Fred and Mary Baker in Schenectady, N.Y. She was the oldest daughter and had three sisters: Elsie, Ida and Betty. As a young girl raised in the Depression, her life was rough. She loved going to see her grandmother, Ella Mae, whom she loved dearly. 

After a failed marriage, she went out with friends and saw a tall Marine at the end of the bar at the Green Tavern. She married that Marine, John Mitchell, five months later. They traveled to many duty stations along the way: Washington, San Diego, Camp Pendleton, Honolulu and Norfolk. They retired from the Marine Corps in August 1968. 

They had six children and then moved to Reynoldsburg and bought the family’s first home on Greenbush Drive. We made lifelong friends, but the travels did not end there. They spent years in Columbus, Ohio, near their son, Tim, for 11 years. Then they moved to San Antonio, Texas, for 11 years with their son, John Mitchell, and his family. They enjoyed spending time with their youngest son, John, and his family. 

Pat and John visited all 50 states and many countries. John Mitchell Sr. passed away, and she lost the love of her life in April 2014. In April 2020, Pat moved to North Idaho to live near her daughter, Kathy. They would go on rides that always ended with an ice cream. She joined the Coeur d'Alene Kiwanis and loved going to activities. Pat’s goal was to see her 95th birthday. Her family had a big party for her, and she was so happy. 

Pat was blessed with six children, 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Pat is preceded in death by her loving husband, John; her sisters; oldest brother Harry; her son, Michael; and her parents. She is survived by her children: Patti Trainor, Heidi Earnhardt (Mike), Tim Mitchell (Edie), Kathy Bush and John Mitchell Jr. (Teresa); many nieces and nephews, especially Cheri Geng and Cindy Lafforthun. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She will also be missed by her close neighbors and friends.

Pat will be buried with her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery next week.

In Idaho, a viewing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024, at Yates Funeral Home — Coeur d’Alene Chapel (744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814), with a funeral service following at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of North Idaho (2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815) or Newby-ginnings (570 S. Clearwater Loop Unit A, Post Falls, ID 83854).

Please visit Pat’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.