SUSAN CAROL MITCHELL

Susan Carol Mitchell, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, in Eagle Mountain, Utah, following complications related to cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on January 29, 1945, in Sycamore, Illinois, the first child of Ralph S. Magnuson and Dorothy L. (Taylor) Plapp. On December 31, 1976, she married John Arthur Mitchell, and together they built a life centered on faith, service, and devotion to family.

At age 11, Susan moved to the Plapp family farm near Maple Park after her mother married Everett J. Plapp. Farm life helped shape her determination and lifelong work ethic. As a self-proclaimed “farm girl”, she dearly loved horses and dogs, but cared much less for the family’s 900 chickens and herd of dairy cows.

Susan graduated from Kaneland High School in 1963 and earned a certificate in Data Processing from Kishwaukee College in 1974. She dedicated more than 24 years to General Electric, where she excelled as a supervisor and materials specialist. She later spent several years working as a veterinary assistant, a role well suited to her tender love for animals. Susan and John moved 20 times, living in six different states. No matter where they settled, they worked side by side to remodel and beautify their home and yard.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Susan faithfully served in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society organizations.  While president of her local Relief Society, she guided, uplifted and directed a sisterhood of over a hundred women. Susan was always eager to help others, and she had a lasting impact on those she served. She listened without judgment, loved without condition, and quietly met needs by offering shelter, food, clothing, or a handmade crocheted gift. She and John worked for many years as volunteers at the Bishop’s food pantry in Georgia, served in the temple baptistry in Utah, and fulfilled a full-time mission together in Salem, Oregon.

Susan’s caring nature was also reflected in the loving way she supported her family. She devotedly cared for her mother in her home during her final four years and later cared for John with the same dedication until his passing in 2017. Following his death, Susan returned to Illinois to be closer to her brother, Gary, and Aunt Carol. As her Alzheimer’s progressed, she moved to Utah to spend her final year with her son James and his family.

A woman of many talents and interests, Susan rarely had idle hands. She was a gifted crafter and a prolific crocheter, but she was equally at home on the golf course, shooting range, and working outdoors. She enjoyed reading fiction and assembling puzzles, and she had a lifelong passion for collecting horse figurines and Beanie Babies. She wrote many heartfelt cards and notes to friends and family, and had the remarkable ability to write backwards in cursive.

Susan will be remembered for her warm smile and laughter, her friendly and outgoing personality, and her eagerness to help others. She found joy in music, singing, and brightening someone’s day. Animals seemed naturally drawn to her, and she never missed the chance to greet them on her daily walks. Dogs were her constant companions throughout her life and were always treated as treasured members of her family.

Susan is survived by three step-sons: John (Meg) Mitchell of Alpharetta, Georgia; James (Colleen) Mitchell of Eagle Mountain, Utah; and Peter Mitchell of Pleasant Grove, Utah.  She is also survived by her beloved brother, Gary (Judy) Magnuson of Hudson, Illinois; two nephews, Greg (Kyrsten) Magnuson of Noblesville, Indiana, and Tim (Kim) Magnuson of Pacific, Missouri; her aunt Carol (Carl) Lindeberg of Dekalb, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Spencer, Mackenzie, Hyrum, Joshua, Caleb, Rebecca (Broderick), Alissa (Spencer), Luke (Briell), Steven (Emily), Kristina, and Adam; and seven great-grandchildren.

Several years ago, Susan was blessed to reconnect with her daughter Elizabeth Dwire of Maple Grove, Minnesota, who was placed for adoption at birth. This reunion brought Susan much comfort and joy.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in DeKalb, Illinois. A private interment will follow at the East Pierce Cemetery near Maple Park, Illinois. 

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