Lillie Mitzel
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Lillie (Holtrop) Mitzel went to join Jesus on February 10, 2022. Her last days were spent at home in Burlington with her much-loved children Sheila and Richard. Lillie was born in Chambers, Nebraska on November 27, 1926, to John and Velma (Remington) Widman. Lillie graduated from Ferndale High School in 1944 and married Elwyn Holtrop on May 11, 1947. They made their home in Whatcom County where their four children were born and attended First Baptist Church until Elwyn's work led them to the placid Skagit Valley where the family attended Emmanuel Baptist Church for many years. Lillie was a skilled homemaker and seamstress, crafting beautiful quilts and numerous sewing projects. She dedicated significant time to her children's pursuits, including serving as a den mother for cub scouts. Upon moving to Burlington in 1966 Lillie and Elwyn's passion for gardening led to enjoying many years of fresh vegetables, flowers, and home canning. While living in Burlington they attended First Baptist Church of Sedro Woolley and later Faith Baptist Church in Burlington. It was during this time that Lillie entered employment outside the home at United General Hospital as a Central Supply Technician. Upon retirement in 1988, Elwyn and Lillie spent time camping and traveling to various places until Elwyn's death on May 23, 1991. They enjoyed 44 years of marriage together. Lillie was introduced to Albert Mitzel by her daughter Sheila in 1992. In October of that year he asked Lillie for a dinner date and they were married on September 12, 1994. They had a home built in the Lakewood Commons at Smokey Point, and in 1998 moved to a new home on Camano Island. They transformed a rough yard into a beautiful landscape, thanks to a lot of hard work by Al. While on Camano Island they made new friends attending Camano Chapel, particularly Pastor Mich and Berna Michl who lived across the street. Al and Lillie enjoyed 13 wonderful years together traveling the country, bay fishing, and going on camping trips until Al's passing on September 24, 2005. Lillie then moved to Heather Village Retirement Community in Mount Vernon where she celebrated her 80th and 90th birthdays with many family and friends. In August of 2018 she moved to the Creekside Continuing Care Community in Burlington, reuniting with previous neighbors, Pat Anderson, and Joan Crawford from Elwyn and Lillie's Burlington home, and longtime family friend Geri Thomason whom she met at First Baptist Church in Ferndale. Lillie enjoyed the 3 1/2 years spent at Creekside. She was a devoted Christian from an early age who cherished family relationships. Lillie was preceded in death by her husband Albert Mitzel, first husband Elwyn Holtrop, sisters Ione and Lola, Brother Lloyd, daughter Phyllis Wheeler, son Keith Holtrop, daughter-in-law Jeanne Holtrop, and her parents John and Velma. She is survived by her children Sheila (Robert) Burgess, Richard (Nancy) Holtrop, 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, numerous nieces and nephews, sister Joyce Auvil, sister in laws Alberta Widman, Nina Reddick, Anne Geleynse, and Delores Forthun. The family would like to thank the staff at Creekside and Hospice for the special care she received while there. A graveside service will be held at 10am on March 16, 2022, at Green Hills Cemetery in Burlington, WA followed by a memorial service, 11:30 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1515 College Way, Mount Vernon, WA. Memorials in Lillie's name are requested to be given to Camano Chapel Missions Fund, 827 West Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA 98282. Please visit www.hulbushfuneralhome.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register. Arrangements are under the care of Hulbush Funeral Home, Burlington, WA.