Marcella (Marce) Mitchum, a loving wife, mother, and homemaker, passed away on October 4, 2023, at the age of 86. She was born in Crawford, Nebraska, on May 12, 1937, to Robert (Bob) William Meckem and Teresa (Piper) Meckem. The family moved to Cheyenne in 1940.
Marce attended St. Mary’s Grade School and St. Mary’s High School, graduating in 1955. She was an accomplished keyboard player, performing on the piano and organ for many St. Mary’s Church and School functions during her school years.
In 1956, Marce married Douglas Lee Mitchum in Cheyenne. They moved to Laramie, where Doug attended the University of Wyoming and worked for the Wyoming Game and Fish. Marce and Doug had four children: Dawn, Robin, Twila, and Derek.
Marce was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She also worked for the Farm Bureau Insurance Company from 1956 to 1963 and from 1972 to 1974. From 1974 to 1995, she was the Physics and Astronomy Department accountant at the University of Wyoming.
In her free time, Marce enjoyed teaching piano lessons to many grade school children. She is a Wyoming State Racquetball Champion and an avid University of Wyoming athletics fan. She was involved as a parent with the Laramie Swim Club and was a skilled seamstress, creating her own square dance dresses, down coats for the family, and draperies for the Mitchum home. She loved nature and animals and could often be found taking care of various plants, flowers and pets.
Marce loved travel and adventure. She also enjoyed fishing, hunting, rafting, and boating. She hiked much of Wyoming with Doug and their family, from Gannett Peak and most of the Wind Rivers to the Bighorns and Snowy Range. After retirement, Marce and Doug spent many winters in Punta Chivato, Mexico, where they built a house, fished for Dorado, hunted for shells on Shell Beach, and explored the land and sea in the sun.
Marce was a member of St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas (2021), her daughter, Twila (2013) her parents, Robert and Teresa Meckem, and her siblings, Leo Meckem, Leona Wollenzein, Gertrude Noel, and Charlotte Harnish.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Dawn, Robin, and Derek I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I remember her running around busy as a bee so full of energy . She always had hugs for me when I'd run into her through the years at athletic events or around town. She was a special lady.
Dawn, Robin, & Derek, I am so sorry to hear of your mother passing. She was not only a great source of information and inspiration, but we could count on her smile to brighten our days. I could count on her to correct my mistakes when I worked in Astronomy, all those years ago. She is at peace watching over her family and many friends.
Dawn. Sorry for your loss. Your Mom was always nice to us kids growing up.
I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I worked with Marce on campus and had many great conversations. For years my husband, Pat, and I also had many conversations with your mom and dad after church services. They were such a wonderful couple and I admired their relationship. I always looked forward to seeing them. God bless Marce and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Marce was a blessing and a fantastic friend to my parents. I know the robbery that dementia handed us. Hang on to those precious memories. Your parents loving qualities are carried on by you all. Hang in there ❤️
Robin, I'm sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I hope many fond memories are a comfort now and in the coming days and weeks.
Derek, nobody could cheer for you like your mother. Losing her is a difficult transition, even when you see it coming. I’m sorry.
My condolences to Robin and Derek and Dawn. Your Mother was such a kind and caring lady. I loved both your parents and appreciated the friendship we had. She’s now with Doug, and has her memories back. And I bet she’s laughing at something Dad has said. You all are in my thoughts.