Barbara Louise (Rauschenberg) Mitchell

Barbara Louise Rauschenberg Mitchell was a caring daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Sadly, she left this world after a long and happy life on January 14, 2025 at the age of 88. She and her husband, Steven Douglas Mitchell, were longtime residents of Bay Minette, AL. Her sweet smile and loving heart will be missed.

She was the first child of Henry and Dorothy Rauschenberg, born on July 9, 1936 in Corner, AL. Barbara met the love of her life, Steve Mitchell, just before he left for service in The United States Army during the Korean War. During his service, he contracted a serious illness and Barbara spent months lovingly caring for him in the hospital and at home. They were happily married for 66 years. They had three children: Jeannine, Forrest and a deceased infant son Brandon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son Brandon Rauschenberg Mitchell and sister Elizabeth Judy Benton. She is survived by one brother: Henry Lee Rauschenberg Jr. (Karen) Guntersville, AL; two sisters: Linda Gay Buie (Bobby) Scottsboro, AL, Dorothy Carol Ballard (Gary) Gardendale, AL; one daughter: Barbara Jeannine Michell Noonan (George Jr.) Orange Beach, AL; one son: Forrest Steven Mitchell (Melissa Hicks) Chelsea, AL; four grandsons: George Lee Noonan III (Amanda Fernandez) Daphne, AL, Campbell McMillan Noonan (Hannah Stone) Fairhope, AL, Adam Forrest Mitchell (Libby Chambliss) Chelsea, AL, Benjamin Aaron Mitchell, Opelika, AL; and four great grandchildren: George Lee Noonan IV, Thomas Oscar Noonan, Katherine O’Neill Noonan and Grayson Rhett Mitchell.

Barbara was always determined and never gave up even during her difficult battle with dementia. Always sure that she could do whatever was needed to help her family, she prayed and worked hard to make it happen. Not only did she know what was needed for those she loved, she also knew when and how it should be done. She never hesitated to let us know and to her credit she was usually correct.

Barbara was a homemaker and spent time visiting and hosting friends and family. Occasionally, finding something to sell (tupperware, books….) and having yard sales. A few of Barbara’s favorite activities were bowling, going to the beach and morning coffee with friends. She and Steve enjoyed dancing the Jitterbug and playing Canasta. She especially loved playing games, but only if she was winning. Her most favorite days were playing with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and Steve were often seen at sporting events cheering on their boys. They were longtime members of First United Methodist Church and deeply loved their church family in Bay Minette.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, Jan. 24 at Norris Funeral Home in Bay Minette with visitation beginning at 10:00 and service at 11:00. Burial follows at the Bay Minette Cemetery. The Reverend Mike Blair, Gentiva Hospice Chaplain, will officiate.

Pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons: George Noonan III, Campbell Noonan, Adam Mitchell, Benjamin Mitchell and dear friends Hansen Roberts and Jamison Roberts. Memorial donations may be made to the Building Fund at First Methodist Church in Bay Minette, P.O. Box 338, Bay Minette, AL 36507 or the Bay Minette Public Library, 205 West 2nd Street, Bay Minette, AL 36507.

The family would like to thank the staff at Robertsdale Rehabilitation & Healthcare Facility, Gentiva Hospice, The Haven in Gulf Shores and The Baldwin House in Daphne for their outstanding dedication in providing healthcare services for their residents and families and also thank you to the many caretakers who assisted our mother and father in their home through the years. Your love and kindness is most appreciated.

The family would also like to express sincere gratitude to Norris Funeral Home for their compassionate care and support during this difficult time.

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