Kathi Mitchell

Kathi Ann Mitchell, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and gifted artist, went to be with the Creator on September 3, 2026. She passed away suddenly at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Baker City, Oregon, enveloped in the love and presence of her family.

Born on July 30, 1957, in San Diego, California, Kathi was a proud "Navy brat," raised with a rich perspective on the world by her parents, Captain Gaylord O’Neil Paulson and Marianne Jane (McPherson) Paulson. She graduated from Dublin High School in Dublin, California, and continued her education at Chabot College in Hayward, California, where she met Greg Mitchell, the father of her children.

Kathi lived a life rooted in creativity, curiosity, and continuous growth. She had a lifelong passion for plants, reading, and cooking for those she cared about. An artist at heart, she had a special devotion to watercolor painting and embraced every opportunity to attend a class, master a new technique, and express her vibrant perspective through her art.

Above all else, Kathi’s greatest joy was her family. She loved sharing art with her children and grandchildren, constantly lifting them up and encouraging them to explore and stay in touch with their own artistic sides. Her creative drive and steadfast encouragement were a profound inspiration—so much so that she served as the biggest catalyst for her daughter Marianne and son-in-law Jeff in starting their small family business, Tenbush Aerial Solutions LLC.

Kathi was reunited in peace with her parents, Captain Gaylord and Marianne Paulson; her aunt, Delores McPherson; her brother, Rick Lee Paulson; and her beloved son, Michael Mitchell.

Her love, creative legacy, and encouraging spirit live on through her surviving children, Marianne Tenbush and her husband, Jeff, of Baker City, Oregon. Eric Mitchell and his partner, Rebecca, of Longview, Washington. Jennifer Wong and her husband, Richard, of Fremont, California, and Christina Mitchell and her partner, Brendan, of Whangārei, New Zealand.

She is also survived and dearly missed by her sister Linda (and family) Pierce and brother Bob Paulson, and her 14 cherished grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and one on the way, alongside an extended network of friends, fellow artists, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her warmth and gentle guidance.

A private memorial will be held at a later time to honor and celebrate her life.