Jay Ira Mitchell

1934 – 2015
Jay was born 11-24-1934 to Clara Brown and Ira D. Mitchell of Murray, Utah.
Jay passed peacefully at home on 10-5-2015. A proud graduate of Murray High School, Jay excelled at sports. He carried that love to his family and friends. He served his country in the Army during the Korean War. Upon his return; he married his sweetheart Diane Burden Mitchell in the Salt Lake Temple, 1- 30- 1958. They made their home in Midvale where they raised their 5 children. Jay was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in several positions; his favorite being in the young men's and was lovingly referred to as "Colonel". Fishing, hunting, camping, and snowmobiling at his trailer in Strawberry were some of Jay's other passions.
During the Salt Lake Olympics Jay volunteered, and continued his volunteer service where ever he was needed; he was looking forward to working the St. George Sr. Games this week. He found "new" friends everywhere he went. He was an avid talker and made friends with total strangers; wanting to know where they were from and learn about their families.
After retiring from Mountain Bell, Jay and Diane traveled the world enjoying food, culture, sun and lifetime friends. After losing his beloved Diane, Jay was blessed to find yet another kind, loving, smart, energetic partner in Betty Riley, along with her loving and caring children. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, on 1-18-2005 and began their journey together with never a dull moment. Whether driving cross country, spending time in St. George or having a pizza in Spain on Thanksgiving Day, their 10 short years together was full of adventure.
Survived by his wife, Betty Riley Mitchell; siblings, Dixie (Glen) Robinson, Lynn (Lona) Mitchell; children, Richard (Denise) Mitchell, Dena (Carey) Palmer, Kristine Weeks, Lisa (Kendall) Summers, Jamie (Mike) Salmon and Terry Crawford; 20 Grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife, Diane Burden Mitchell; sister, Jewell (Ray) Steadman; children, Tony Lynn Mitchell Bailey and Susie (Vickie) Zwan.
Services will be held Saturday, 10-10-2015, 10:30 am at the Parrish Heights Ward, 610 N. Rowland Way, Centerville. Viewings will be on Friday, 10-09-2015 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 4760 South State Street, Murray, and at the church 9:00-10:00 am prior to the services. Interment: Redwood Memorial Estates, 6500 S. Redwood Rd, West Jordan, UT, at 2:00 pm.
Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe .com.

Funeral Home:
Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary-Murray
4760 South State Street
Murray, UT 84107