Annie Ruth (Baker) Mitchell

Annie Ruth Mitchell, 90, of Saint Jo, passed away Thursday, Oct. 13, in Decatur. She was born Annie Ruth Baker to Claud and Martha (McMahan) Baker on August 1, 1932, in the Dye Mound area of Montague County. She was one of seven siblings. Annie Ruth married Loyd Daile Mitchell on July 10, 1953, in Saint Jo. Together, they had three children. He preceded her in death on April 27, 2006. Annie Ruth graduated from Saint Jo High School in 1950. She attended North Texas State College (now the University of North Texas), where she earned bachelor's and master’s degrees. She also completed coursework in pursuit of a Ph.D. in education from Texas Woman’s University. She was a teacher in school districts throughout Montague County for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1995 from Saint Jo ISD. Annie Ruth spent most of her career teaching kindergarten and special education. She received multiple awards and recognitions, including the Outstanding Teacher award from the Council for Exceptional Children in 1984. Her dedication to Saint Jo ISD and her love of her students led her to help with numerous school organizations, including serving as cheerleader sponsor, class sponsor, Special Olympics sponsor, as well as helping with many other district activities. Annie Ruth was a member of the First Baptist Church in Saint Jo where she was involved in various ministries such as Sunday School, GAs, Vacation Bible School, and Camp Copass. Annie Ruth enjoyed listening to gospel and country music. She also loved family vacations to Branson, Mo., the Grand Canyon, and Colorado, balancing these trips with her husband’s oilfield work schedule. She enjoyed hobbies such as crocheting and knitting, creating various pieces for friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, James Wilson Baker and Claude Baker, her sister Dellie Baker, and granddaughter Melissa Norseworthy. She is survived by her sisters Bernice Southerland, of Duncan, Okla., Martha Curtis (Craig) of Fritch, her brother Tom Baker (Linda) of Gainesville, daughters Daifletta Norseworthy, of Saint Jo, Cecelia McCuistion (Marty), of Lake Kiowa, and son, Nathan Mitchell (Melissa), of Decatur, grandchildren John Daile and Christopher McCuistion, of Lake Kiowa, Stephanie Norseworthy, of Saint Jo, and Maci Talley (David), of Denton. She had one great-grandchild, Natalia Norseworthy, of Saint Jo. Funeral services led by Pastor Mark McBride and Gerre Joiner were held Monday, Oct. 17, at First Baptist Church of Saint Jo. Memorials are suggested to Saint Jo ISD.

Annie Ruth (Baker) Mitchell

August 1, 1932 - October 13, 2022