Obituary

Betty Ruth Sylvest Mitchell

September 30, 1930 - August 15, 2022

Betty Ruth Sylvest Mitchell went to be with Jesus on August 15, 2022. She was 91. Born September 30, 1930, in Franklinton, LA to Steve and Naomi Tisdale Sylvest, Ruth was the youngest of five, having four older brothers. Ruth’s first job was as a Bookkeeper with Lindsley Fiber car dealership in Bogalusa, LA and remained there until she married Wilton Ray Mitchell in 1956, and the two of them began their life together in New Orleans.

Ruth was known for her service. She could often be found cooking or sewing for family or friends who needed a loving touch. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother while selling Avon cosmetics on the side. Later she worked as a Bookkeeper for St. Joe Brick in Slidell, LA. Ruth was very active at Calvary Baptist Church in Slidell and during tax season, she would volunteer as a greeter at the AARP Tax Service. Ruth went out of her way to assist and show love to each person who entered the room.

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, and her husband, Ray, of 62 years. Ruth is survived by her children Charles (Victoria) Mitchell of Ellerslie, GA and Martha (Glenn) Hebert of Vicksburg, MS, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

We will gather to celebrate Ruth’s life on Saturday, August 27, 2022, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home in Bogalusa, LA. Visitation is at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 a.m. along with a brief graveside service at Ponemah Cemetery in Bogalusa. Pallbearers are Charles Mitchell, Christopher Mitchell, David Mitchell, Glenn Hebert, Richard Hebert, and Thomas Grocki. Her honorary pallbearer is Jonathan Mitchell, grandson, who is serving our country in the Air Force.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers that contributions be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Slidell, LA at 1615 Old Spanish Trail, 70458.