J. Maralee Mitchell, 77, of Hooker passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the BSA Hospice in Amarillo, Texas.

Joyce Maralee Mitchell was born on January 27, 1939 in Perry, Oklahoma, to Mattilene and Star Chenoweth, one of seven children. She moved a lot during her childhood due to her father’s work. She attended high school in Guymon, Oklahoma and met the love of her life, Donald Mitchell. They were married on June 30, 1956 when Maralee was only 16 and they celebrated 60 years of marriage this year.

Maralee was well known in the area for her service to the community. She served on the Hooker City Council, Hooker Ambulance Service as a driver and First Responder, and on the Hooker Parks Board. Maralee wrote the grants, designed the layout, and oversaw the construction of the walking trails and other improvements to the Hooker City Park as well as the establishment of the Homesteaders Park on Highway 54.

Maralee’s love of art lead her to volunteer at the Texas County Fair as a volunteer and Superintendent of different departments including the children’s art, adult art, and photography. She also taught art to local children.

Maralee helped in so many other ways in the community including being a Baseball Mom, Boy Scout Den Mother, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Group Leader. Maralee was a member of the Eastern Star and served as Grand Matron. Maralee also served as a Spotter for the Colfax County Fire Department and at the Senior Citizens Center in Eagle Nest, New Mexico where she and Don had a cabin and have spent their summers for the past 15 years. Maralee hosted many different classes and parties at the center. Maralee has served on the Lakeview Pines Homeowners Association as an officer.

Maralee’s greatest love was for her family. She is survived by her son Phillip Mitchell and his wife Pearlene; daughter Dianna and her husband Phil Brown. Grandchildren Casey Mitchell and his wife Sara; Lyna Mitchell and her husband Bradford Herzog; Lucas Grounds and his wife Dr. Kelsey Grounds; and Marcus Grounds and his wife Jordan. Great grandchildren are Anthony and Dakota Flannery, Michael and Joey Herzog, Haven Grounds, Kasyn Snow, and Tye and Payzlee Grounds.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday afternoon, November 19th at 2:00 p.m. at the Hooker First Christian Church with Bro. Eddy Scoggins officiating. Interment will follow at the Hooker Cemetery. Services are under the care of the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.

The family has selected The League House in Amarillo as the memorial to honor Maralee. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch – Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.