Rosalita Mitchell

Rosalita Emily Del Castillo Mitchell, 80, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, resident of Rio Rancho, passed away on March 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 44 years, Lawrence D. Mitchell, her children Madeleine (Mimi) Rodriguez Loeffler and husband Jimmy Loeffler, and Stephanie C. Mitchell. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Michael Loeffler and wife Brandi, Natalie Lara and husband Robert, James Loeffler and wife Ayssa, and Alicia Loeffler. Survivors also include 12 great-grandchildren; her sister, Kathleen Hernandez and husband Sam, and brother, Benny Del Castillo and wife Maribeth. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar F Del Castillo and Ramona Hickey Del Castillo and her brother, David Del Castillo.

Throughout her life, Rose was guided by her faith which was evident in her deep love of family and devotion to others, especially her students and friends. She also created and volunteered in church programs that ministered to families in need.

Rosalita was born on April 8, 1944, in Cottage Grove, Oregon and grew up in San Antonio, TX. She graduated with B.A. in Latin and English from Our Lady of the Lake University. She went on to earn a Master's and PH.D. from the University of New Mexico. After graduating from Our Lady of the Lake, she taught high school Latin and English at Churchill High School in San Antonio until she moved to Albuquerque. She taught English and Latin at Sandia and Cibola High School until 1992.

She served as coordinator for various UNM projects before becoming a full-time faculty member in the College of Education at the University of New Mexico. In recognition of her leadership abilities, Rose was named Chair of the Department of Teacher Education, a position she held until she retired in 2012.

A Funeral Service and Celebration of Rosalita's life will take place at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2903 Cabezon Rd., Rio Rancho, NM, 87124. The service dates and times will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ironwood Pig Sanctuary, PO Box 35490, Tucson, AZ 85740-5490 or www. Ironwoodpigs.org.