Bonnie J. Mitchem

IRONWOOD, Mich.- Bonnie J. Mitchem, 80, of Ashland Court, Ironwood, died peacefully Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, in her home, surrounded by her loving family, following a courageous battle with lung cancer.

The former Bonnie Pippins was born Aug. 23, 1934, in Parma, Mo., daughter of the late Arthur and Ruby (Crawley) Pippins, and attended Parma schools and Gideon High School in Gideon, Mo.

She married Harry E. "Mitch" Mitchem on Aug. 14, 1952, in Pickett, Ark.  They moved to Bessemer in 1965, residing there for 20 years. Mitch preceded Bonnie in death in 1978. She then moved to Ironwood in 1985.

Bonnie was employed at Stan's Big Dollar, Fashion Floors, Bentley Furniture, Northern Carpet, Riggs Hallmark and UPS. She was a member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ironwood, served as past secretary, treasurer and president of the Auxiliary to Bessemer American Legion Post 27, and was formerly active and held every office in the Bessemer Woman's Club. She was also a former member of the Bessemer Chamber of Commerce, served as past chairwoman of the Bessemer United Way, and was active in numerous other civic events. In her earlier years, she was a den mother in Boy Scouting and was active in Girl Scouts. She enjoyed reading, flower gardening, and watching and collecting old movies. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters, Debbie (Bruce) Rampanelli, Juneau, Wis., and Michelle (Bill) Stanczak, Ironwood; three sons, Darren (Chris Olander), Duluth, Minn., Brandy (Susan), Bessemer, and Tony (Barb Gambetti), Rhinelander, Wis .; 15 grandchildren, Shianna, Alisha, Rebecca, Sarah, Derrick, Dustin, Dylan, Jordan, Ethan, Danielle, Brittany, Ben, Melody, Miranda and Katie; 15 great-grandchildren, Maceo, Malcolm, Seth, Cole, Mason, Ivy, Bryce, Lilly, Charlotte, Theo, Tenley, Sam, Jonah, Miles, and Desmond; a sister, Barbara Lamar, St. Louis, Mo .; four half brothers, Bill Walker, and Philip, Greg and Kirk Pippins; two half sisters, Lisa and Linda Pippins;  numerous nieces, nephews and close friends; and best friend and companion, Jerry Grenfell, Ramsay.

Out of respect for Bonnie's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial service in celebration of Bonnie's life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ironwood, with the Rev. Bruce Estola, pastor, officiating.

Committal will take place at the church, with luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall.

Spring interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Bonnie's obituary can be viewed online and condolences given to her family at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.