"So sorry to hear of Hillarie's passing. She was an amazing friend in high school and have no doubt is smiling and laughing from heaven. Prayers and thoughts to Melanie & Marcie. "
In loving memory of
Hillarie Mitchell
December 15, 1973 - April 26, 2021
On April 26th, 2021, Hillarie "Cricket" May Mitchell, age 47, from Washington IL, passed away peacefully at her sister's home after a short but very courageously fought battle against cancer.
Hillarie May Mitchell was born December 15th, 1973 in Foston, MN. The daughter of Harl and Marcie (Hanes) Gamber. It was during those long cold December nights where she earned her nick-name that stuck with her through her life as it was discovered that the tiny sounds of a baby sleeping soundly echoed the same tones of a cricket. This lovely young lady spent her childhood in Crookston, MN where she enjoyed dancing, running around with friends, invested in the church youth group, and snowmobiling. After graduating from Crookston High School in 1992, the lure of warmer weather and family was too enticing for her, and she hung up her snowmobile keys and left for Illinois.
On July 24th, 2004 she was united in marriage to Joseph Mitchell at Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria, IL. Her greatest joy in her life was her two kids, Madison May Mitchell and Blake Philip Mitchell. Her proudest moments were when she saw her children succeed. She loved supporting her kids' musical endeavors. She worked in a smattering of jobs, most of them were related in some way to the automotive industry with her most recent job as a manager at Glass America, an auto glass store.
Cricket was always optimistic and found happiness wherever she was in life. When asked what her joy and purpose was, she responded, "spending time with my family. Spending time outside- water time, wind time, camping, motorcycles, boating. Playing games with my family." She had a caring heart and a helping hand. She also had an artistic side that enjoyed art, china painting, creative writing, and stained glass.
Anyone who knew cricket knew she had the most infection spirit. She loved to laugh, looked for the best in others, and loved everyone unconditionally.
Hillarie was preceded in death by her father Harl Gamber. She was survived by husband Joseph Mitchell, her children Madison and Blake Mitchell of Washington, Illinios; mother Marcie "Emma" Gamber; and sister Melanie (Jesse) Brinkman of Rochester, Minnesota; extended family and friends.
A celebration of Hillarie's Life will be held at Luthy Botanical Gardens in the wildlife garden area, 2520 North Prospect Road Peoria, IL 61603 on May 23, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. which was the same spot they were united in marriage.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Mitchell family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com