In Loving Memory of LaRue Gore Mitchell

Some lives become so beautifully woven into the fabric of a family that they can never be separated from its story. LaRue Gore Mitchell was the golden thread woven with grace, elegance, unwavering faith, and boundless love, holding together five generations with quiet strength and a legacy that time can never unravel.

On July 12, 2026, LaRue walked into the arms of Jesus, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, laughter, and family that will continue for generations.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Rondal Jack Mitchell, Sr.; her children, Darlene Mitchell Pillow, Rhonda Jean Mitchell Gunn, and Rondal Jack Mitchell, Jr.; six grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind two sisters, Patty Valentine and Jeanine Baxter, many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who were blessed by her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Gore and Anna Puckett Gore, several brothers and sisters, and her beloved son-in-law, Joey Pillow.

LaRue loved beauty in the little things, a delicate piece of lace, a beautiful piece of jewelry, fresh flowers blooming in her garden, and the happiness that came from gathering with the people she loved most. Home was her favorite place because it was where family was, and there was nothing more important to her than those she loved.

She was blessed to witness five generations of her family, a legacy that brought her immeasurable joy. She treasured every child, grandchild, great-grandchild, great-great-grandchild, niece, and nephew.

She was a woman of many talents. Her hands were rarely still. She crocheted beautiful keepsakes, sewed countless dresses for her granddaughters, who rarely wore store-bought dresses, and lovingly created treasures that will be cherished for generations. Whether she was tending her flowers, working in her garden, or making something beautiful from thread and fabric, she poured love into everything she touched.

She also loved the outdoors. She was a skilled deer hunter, an excellent shot, and enjoyed camping along the White River. She could bait a hook with rosy red minnows and somehow always managed to out-crappie fish Ronnie, a fact she never minded reminding him of with a smile. She loved spending afternoons in the backyard hitting fly balls to grandson.

She had a feisty spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. Among her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as the “Shanghai Queen”.

Above all else, LaRue loved Jesus. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, was a devoted prayer warrior who faithfully carried the needs of others to the Lord, and worshipped with a beautiful voice while playing the piano. Her faith wasn’t just something she believed, it was something she lived every day. She loved deeply, prayed faithfully, and pointed those around her toward God’s goodness.

Her life was stitched together with faith, family, laughter, hard work, and love. Though our hearts are broken, we are deeply grateful for the legacy she leaves behind. Her love and the memories she gave us will remain in our hearts forever.

Services will be held at Phillips Funeral Home in Paragould, Arkansas with Visitation Friday, July 17, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and a celebration of LaRue’s life will be held on Saturday, July 18, at 1:00 p.m. Her grandsons, Brad Daugherty and Chad Randall, will officiate the service alongside her nephew, Stan Mitchell.

The family warmly invites everyone to come celebrate LaRue’s remarkable life; a life well lived, deeply loved, and faithfully devoted to God and to those she held dear.