Frances Shirley Mitchell Sanders was born on
Jan. 21, 1932, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Susannah Copenhower Parsons and Grover Cleveland Parsons.
She passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026, at the age of 94.
Shirley was married to Joseph “Pete” Mitchell and later to Dwayne Sanders.
She was the devoted mother of seven daughters, who remained the center of her life: Rebecca Hart, Kathy Basham, Nancy Dawson, Deborah McAtee, Theresa Woolley, Pamela Champlain, and Sandra Mitchell.
Over the years, her family grew into a beautiful legacy of 73 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Shirley grew up in a large, lively family and was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers and sisters Lester, Russell, Gene, Craig, Max, Madeline, and Bernadine Parsons; her daughters Becky and Kathy; her husband’s Pete and Dwayne; and her grandchildren Heather, Dana Jr. and Noah.
In 1970, Shirley moved her family from St. Louis to Belle, where she built a warm and loving home. She had a remarkable talent for making any space beautiful. Her home was always spotless and welcoming, filled with love, laughter, and the comforting aroma of her wonderful cooking, especially her homemade biscuits, a recipe her family still wishes they could recreate exactly as she made them.
Shirley loved reading, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She took pride in her home and instilled in her children the importance of manners, kindness, and proper etiquette from an early age.
Even in difficult times, she created joy. If money was tight, she still found ways to make special memories: trips to the drive-in, afternoons at the park, or days at the river. Bedtime routines were filled with comfort—fresh towels after baths, clean sheets waiting on the staircase, and her gentle touch in every detail. She insisted on doing the dishes herself, a small example of the care she poured into her family.
Shirley lived her entire life in service to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her generosity, strength, and unwavering love shaped generations who will carry her lessons forward.
She will be remembered for her devotion to family, her hardworking nature, and the warmth she brought to every home she touched. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she shaped and the love she so freely gave.
A Celebration of Life was held on March 7, at the Church of Jesus Christ, Belle Restoration Branch, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and the service at 12 p.m. Interment was at Skaggs Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to Skaggs Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Sassmann’s Chapel in Belle.
