Melissa Sue Mitchell's Obituary
Melissa Sue Mitchell 57, of Weir, KS died 2:20pm Saturday January 31, 2026 at the Mercy Hospital in Pittsburg, KS following a sudden illness. Melissa was born May 27, 1968 in Columbus, KS the daughter of James Russell Sr. and Marjorie Ann (Cash) Bennett. She was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Southeast High School. Melissa married Robert Mitchell “Bobby” in 2013 in Mt. Vernon, MO; he preceded her in death on November 14, 2013. Melissa worked for Cunningham Sandblasting in Joplin, MO painting water towers. Melissa loved to watch for UFOs, enjoyed Astronomy, taking care of animals especially Tina’s Goats and her Fur Baby Lady. In addition Melissa was an organ and tissue donor.
Survivors include her children Courtney M. Meredith of Weir, KS, Kelsey L. Tillman of Oklahoma City, OK, Ashley D. Marsh and husband Matthew of Mulberry, KS and Stefanie M. Tillman and fiancee Zak Sampo of Pittsburg, KS; sisters Tina Potocnik and husband Ross of Cherokee, KS and Melinda Collingsworth and husband Junior of Weir, KS; sister-in-law Darlene Mercer of Sherman City, KS; 7 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Melissa was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Lucinda Eby and brothers James Russell Bennett Jr. and Allen Bennett.
Services will be announced by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family asks expressions of sympathy to be in the form of memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home to help with final expenses. Friends may drop off or mail memorials to Bath-Naylor Funeral Home 522 S. Broadway Pittsburg, KS 66762. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com. Cremation arrangements are by Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg, KS.
What’s your fondest memory of Melissa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Melissa?
Share a story where Melissa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Melissa you’ll never forget.
How did Melissa make you smile?