Dona Elaine Mitchell

Dona Elaine Mitchell passed away peacefully at her residence in Hugoton, Kansas, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

She was born on December 21, 1956 at Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton, Kansas to Glenn Havard Sr. and Marguerite Virginia (Reynolds) Mitchell.

Dona attended school in Hugoton from grade school through high school and remained closely connected to the community that shaped her life. For many years, she worked at the Jet Drive-in alongside her sister, Lana Slocum. She enjoyed every minute of joking with her customers, and over time those customers became friends and family to her. She will be remembered as fun-loving and always ready to joke around, bringing warmth and laughter to everyday moments.

In 1974, Dona married Hal Schechter, and to this union, their daughter, April, was born. Their marriage later ended. In 1984, Dona married Curt Slocum; their marriage also later ended in divorce.

Outside of work, Dona found her greatest happiness in the people she loved most.She treasured the time spent with her daughter, April, and found great joy in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and siblings. Above all, April and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings, proudest accomplishments, and deepest joys.

She also loved having a pretty yard, and she enjoyed fishing and camping with her family, watching game shows, and going to movies. These simple pleasures reflected the warmth, humor, and love of togetherness that defined her life.

She is survived by her daughter, April Swisher, and husband Wesley, Sweetwater, Oklahoma; her brother, Glenn Mitchell Jr. of Eureka, Kansas; her sisters, Lana Slocum of Hugoton, Linda Casebeer of Hugoton, Sandra Cox and husband Jerry all of Hugoton, Dorothy Wellinghoff of Glenwood, Iowa; and grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Breauna and husband Justin Burnam and children, Kaydence, Brazyn, Jaxton and Ryatt; Taylor and husband Jason Herzberg, Corbin and wife Kalynn Swisher, and children, Preslee and Kimber; Aspen and husband Garron Weber, and children, Harlynn and arriving soon Rowan, and Kyle Cox. She leaves behind a family who will remember her with affection for her laughter, her love of family gatherings, and the joy she brought to those around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-laws, George Slocum, Darwin Casebeer; nephew, Michael Kerbow; her niece, Natalie Odell; her nephew, Jamie Mitchell; and her great-nephew, Clayton Taylor.

A memorial has been established for Pheasant Heaven Charities in care of Robson Funeral Home, PO Box 236, Hugoton, KS 67951.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Robson Funeral Home - Hugoton, 314 South Van Buren Street, Hugoton, Kansas 67951. A second visitation will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Robson Funeral Home - Hugoton.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Assembly of God Church, 138 S Main St, Hugoton, Kansas 67951 with Pastor Richard Martin presiding.

Dona Elaine Mitchell will be remembered for her playful spirit, her devotion to her family, and the many smiles she shared so freely. Her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved her.