The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Winston Havens Mitchell, 94, a WWII Army Air Corps Veteran, Rancher and Farmer went to be with his heavenly father on May 29, 2017 at the Hi-Line Retirement Center, in Malta, Montana.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 A.M., July 29, 2017 at the Landusky Community Center. Interment of his cremated remains will be in the Landusky Cemetery with military honors. Condolences for the family can be left at http://www.kirkwoodfuneralhome.com.

Winston was born August 11, 1922 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Vivian C. and Essie I. (Havens) Mitchell. He was raised on the ranch and educated in Landusky through the eighth grade, and then moved to Malta for his high school years, graduating in 1940. After high school he worked on the family ranch. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps on February 10, 1943 and served in Rhineland and Italy. He received the American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victor Medal and the EAME (European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign) Ribbon with three bronze service stars. After his discharge on December 13, 1945 he returned to the ranch near Landusky. He met the love of his life and married Lucille Florence LaBorn on April 23, 1949 in Malta at the Malta Lutheran Church. Winston was a member of the Malta Lutheran Church, Montana Stock growers Association, Phillips County Historical Society, VFW and the National Cattleman's Association. Winston enjoyed writing poetry, building kids tractors, doing card tricks for the grandkids & friends, making wooden signs for family & friends, diamond willow canes, his many signature books and last but not least, he made his lamps for the Phillips County Health Care Foundation.

Winston is survived by his wife, Lucille Florence LaBorn Mitchell of Landusky; sons: Bill (Ruth) Mitchell of Landusky, Craig (Janice) Mitchell of Malta, Kevin (Michelle) Mitchell of Landusky, Sisters: Kathryn "Sue" Mitchell Barrett, Faye (Ken) Mitchell Moss, Sister-in-law: Betty LaBorn Mitchell; Grandchildren: Robin (C.W) Kananen, Curt, Leslie, Erin (Rob) Skinner, Megan, Vanessa, Samantha, Katie and Kyle; Great Grandchildren: Chaz, Chad, & Jada Kananen, Mercedes, Madison, & Regan Skinner, Ben, Lucille and Norah Lambert, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Vivian and Essie; Daughter, Valerie Anne Mitchell Matthews; Brother, Richard Mitchell; and Brother-in-law, Bob Barrett.

A00013B2017MY29