Bette Ellen Mitchell

Bette Ellen Mitchell, 89, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in Abilene, Texas, surrounded by her family.

Born October 23, 1936, in Vaughn, New Mexico, to Ellison Carroll and Mary Francis Mathis, Bette was raised in Vaughn alongside her younger sister, Audrey. In 1953, Bette married Jerry Wendell Mitchell, with whom she built a life ranching and raising horses throughout New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona.

A woman of warmth and compassion, Bette was dedicated to sharing her love of horsemanship. For many years, she supported children’s camps in Arizona and New Mexico providing horses and equipment each summer and teaching thousands of children to ride. She found her greatest peace riding the mountain trails of her native New Mexico.

Bette is survived by her children, Debra Jones, Ronald Mitchell, and Lisa Clark; nieces, Shannon Mooring-Benson and Suzanna Mooring; grandchildren, Cutter Jones, Casee Harwell, and Rachel Clark; and great-grandchildren Blake Jones, Ribbon Jones, Landry Harwell, and Lash Harwell.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerry Wendell Mitchell (2013); and her sister, Audrey Lynn Mooring (2024).

While she will be deeply missed, her family finds great comfort in knowing Bette has been reunited in heaven with her parents, sister, and loved ones.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me... And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also." — John 14:1-3

Service Information

Visitation and remembrance will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hardin Simmons University Logsdon Chapel, 1198 Ambler Avenue, Abilene, Texas 79601.