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Kirtsy Ann Kendrick Mitchell added the final coda to her life's symphony on October 19th, 2017 in Meadows Place, Texas, after a long battle with dementia. Kirtsy led a full life, touching the lives of so many people with her kindness and dedication.
Born on February 22, 1930 in Chickasha Oklahoma to the late Thomas Levi and Izola Myers Kendrick, Kirtsy graduated from Chickasha High School and attended college at the Oklahoma College for Women, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Piano with a minor in history. She then received a Master's Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Oklahoma.
After graduation, Kirtsy spent six years teaching elementary music and basic subjects in the Tulsa Oklahoma Public School System. It was while teaching in Tulsa that she met Roscoe Mitchell at a church social, and their courtship lead to marriage in 1958. Kirtsy taught school until the birth of her first child, Roger, when she became a stay-at-home mom.
In 1965 the family, now including younger sisters Karen and Marcia, moved to Houston following the consolidation of Roscoe's company. The family settled in the Memorial area, and Kirtsy turned her talents to serving God, working as both a volunteer and employee in the education and music ministries at Chaplewood United Methodist Church. She served as an assistant organist, accompanist and children's choir director, and helped establish the Handbell program there, serving as director of the youth and adult Handbell choirs. She was a Certified Elementary Laboratory and Training School leader for the United Methodist Church, and helped lead the development and writing of curriculum materials for elementary education programs. For over 25 years, Kirtsy taught piano to students young and old. She also helped children in need of tutoring, teaching remedial reading at home. Upon her "retirement" she started another career, composing instructional Handbell music, eventually creating and publishing the only graded Handbell series for teaching the English Handbell to elementary and middle school students. Several of her compositions became bestsellers in the educational Handbell literature. For over twelve years, until her final retirement at age 83, Kirtsy served as a volunteer teaching assistant to the music teachers at Spring Branch Elementary School in Houston, teaching young students how to play Handbells.
Kirtsy was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Roscoe, and her parents Tomas and Izola Kendrick. She is survived by her sister Joyce Freeman, of Midland, son Roger Mitchell of League City, daughters Karen Musick and husband Geoffrey Cope of Kerville and Marcia Johannsen-Baker and husband Steve Baker of Sugar Land. She is also survived by granddaughter Kayla Cook and husband Josh of Tyler, and grandson Shane Musick and fiancée Jessica Bishop of Houston, and her sister-in-law Margaret Leu of Alton, Mo. She also leaves behind many wonderful lifelong friends that made her life more fulfilling.
A private family service of commitment will be held at the Houston National Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her husband. A memorial service celebrating Kirtsy's life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Drive, Houston, Texas 77024.
The family would like to thank the staff at The Hampton at Meadows Place and the caregivers from Family Tree Home Healthcare for their wonderful care of mother in her last years. In lieu of flowers, Kirtsy wished that those who desire dedicate memorial gifts to the Music Ministry of Chapelwood United Methodist Church at the above address, or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Texas, 8111 N. Stadium Drive, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77054, or to the Ehlers-Danlos Society, P.O. Box 87463, Montgomery Village, MD 20886.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Hunters Creek Funeral Home.
December 1, 2017
Marcia,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. One can never be really prepared for the impact. The grieving process is long and varied. My love and sympathy go to you and your family during this time, as well as my prayers.
Love,
Sara
October 28, 2017
Roger,
Danny and I are so sorry at the loss of your mother. We know how difficult losing a parent is. May the memories of her life help you through this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless you and your family.
Anne and Danny Sturma
October 28, 2017
Carol Mungavin
I helped Kirtsy direct handbells at Spring Branch Elem for several years, and since we both had a love of children and handbells in common we instantly became good friends. The material we used was primarily written by Kirtsy and the children flourished under her direction. They won the chance to play before a national teachers convention in Minnesota...what a thrill for the children. Kirtsy was a warm, friendly person with a giving spirit. Heaven is a better place with her in it. With Love, Carol Mungavin
October 25, 2017
Rholanda Hines
May she rest peacefully ❤ So blessed to have been able to share her love and humbleness. My condolences to the family and friends. I pray for the comfort and peace for Marcia & husband, Roger & Mrs. Kirtsy's best friend.
October 24, 2017
God has given us a life span of 70 and 80 years if we are strong. May you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many. Psalms 90:10
October 23, 2017
May the God of all comfort be with the family at this most difficult time.
October 23, 2017
Brandon
To the Mitchell family, I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to share some comforting scriptures. Hosea 13:14. Take care.
October 23, 2017
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
October 22, 2017
My condolences to the family of Mrs . Mitchell . May her wonderful memories continue to comfort the family and may God be with you . Matthew 5 : 4 .
October 22, 2017
Ruthie Dugger-Tomes
Marcia, my sincerest sympathies go out to you and your family. It is so difficult to lose a beloved parent.
My heart is with you during this most diffult time.
Ruthie Dugger-Tomes
October 22, 2017
LDW
My sincerest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort grant you strength and peace during this most difficult time.
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