Belva Lucille Menlove Mitchell
November 24, 1927 - March 8, 2022
Belva Mitchell was born in Provo, Utah, the oldest child of Roy and Lucille Menlove. She grew up in Mayfield and Provo, graduating from Provo High School in 1946. In 1947, Belva married John (Jack) Mitchell, a marriage that endured nearly 70 years through five children, more than twenty moves and Alzheimer’s disease. After devoting her young adult years to raising her children, she returned to college, earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Central Washington University. Belva had a successful 10-year career in education.
Grandchildren brought Jack and Belva back to Utah after retirement, where she spent summers as the host and head counselor at Camp Grammy. Belva’s family was always most important, but she and Jack enjoyed a long and happy retirement in Salt Lake and St. George, filled with travel, golf and friends.
Belva is survived by her children Ellen Maycock, Christine Mitchell, Joan Mitchell (Harv Colby), and John Mitchell (Laura); as well as her brother Howard Menlove and sister-in-law Patricia Menlove, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband Jack Mitchell, her daughter Margaret Ann Mitchell, brothers Max Menlove, Paul Menlove, and sister Carol Johnson.
A reception for Belva’s family and friends will be on Friday, March 18, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the League of Women Voters.
In Loving Memory
Belva Lucille Menlove Mitchell was an amazing woman. Her legacy is rich and left for the children. She and Jack raised 5 wonderful children; strong, smart and independent. Belva Menlove met Jack Mitchell and fell in love. To me, she and Jack are the American Dream Story from post WWII. Two young people in Utah who fell in love and brought 5 wonderful children into the world. Through all the years, all the moves and adventures, what endured was the famiy. Jack and Belva had their own interests and passions but they lived for their children. Those kids were “raised right” in a tight knit family in a bee hive busy, loving, home. Their kids were bright, intelligent, and strong willed. They were expected to do their best. It wasn’t negotiable. And these smart, successful children went on to find their own paths and have successful careers and families. And they raised their children. And now there are the great grand childred. It all startied with 2 young kids in love in small town Utah, with only hopes and dreams. What was once just two, grew into a “team picture” and the one constant role model and anchor through the generations, and for 95 years, was Belva Mitchell. Life well lived. She and Jack can now both rest together in peace. Job well done ps - it's so perfect that her picture here has her holding a baby. How perfect.
Phil Jones
Phoenix, Az
Dear Aunt Christine, I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. You're in my heart and prayers. Love, Jeanine
Jeanine Ford
San Jose, CA
I knew Belva and John when I was the social worker at Silverado. Both were so lovely! Belva was the Pilar of kindness and grace and went out of her way to understand the complexities of dementia while dealing with her own unique situation. May her memory be eternal.
Allie Diamond
Midvale, UT