Mitchelson, Gertrude Ballard

69 year old lead and zinc mine owner, died suddenly at 7:30 pm Wednesday while attending services at the First Baptist church. Born in McLean county Illinois, she came to the Tri-State district when she was a year old. After her husband, the late Roy Mitchelson, former Commerce Oklahoma businessman died, Mrs. Mitchelson moved to the family home, two miles west of here, about 11 years ago. She later moved to Baxter Springs where she had lived since. The Ballard Mine is located on the family's property, west of here. Survivors include two sons, Paul Mitchelson of Baxter Springs, and Fred Mitchelson of Pittsburgh Kansas, five daughters, Mrs. Cloyd Burton of Bartlesville Oklahoma, Miss Carol Mitchelson of the home, Mrs. Ray Harp of Burbank California, Mrs. Leroy Roberts of Baxter Springs and Mrs. Grace Scott of Kansas City Kansas, and a brother, Walter Ballard of Maryland. Funeral services will be conducted at the First Baptist church at 2 pm Saturday. The Rev. E. A. Spiller, a former Commerce pastor, will officiated. He will be assisted by the Rev. Fred Pulliam, pastor of the church. Burial will be in the Baxter Springs cemetery under direction of the Mitchelson funeral home of Commerce.