Raymona Darlene Mitchem

Raymona Darlene Mitchem at age 72 passed away at Swedish Medical Center on August 18, 2015. She was born in Sharon Springs Kansas, on October 6, 1942; she then moved to Denver, Colorado and met the love of her life Tommie Lee Mitchem , Sr., married him at age 16, and a few years later came two wonderful sons, Jeffrey Todd Mitchem & Tommie Lee Mitchem Jr. Raymona made her living as a secretary/temp. Years later after she raised her own boys, she was blessed with two granddaughters, my sister Stephanie Darlene Mitchem and myself Alexandra Leigh Mitchem. Grandma instantly fell in love with both of us girls, we were her babies. I grew up knowing my grandma was my best friend. Every night 'til the day she left us I would go into her room around 12 am each night and we would just talk, talk about anything and everything. Some nights I would just cry to her and others we would be laughing so hard our bellies ached until the next morning, nights like these are how Papa got the name BOB, she was so goofy! Mayma would always want to play someone in cards, Dominoes, anything just to play as a family and to laugh at Grandpa cheating, he was never much good at it, but that's what made Mayma laugh hard is when someone would catch him. One of the things I love most about my Mayma was that she never lost hope in me. When everyone was telling me I couldn't, she picked me up and brushed me off and pushed until I graduated, there was no way she was giving up on me. I owe most of my success to that woman. Growing up in Grandma's house I never had a dull moment, I would either get a smell of something baking like her famous zucchini bread, or hear oil popping from her fried chicken and poor man's gravy, she was a phenomenal cook. Even though she took a bite and thought it was disgusting, Grandpa and I never really agreed; we came back to the table with plate three. I love her more than words can express, like I said she's truly my best friend, Mayma would always tell me ""sister Suzie I'm so proud of you,"" even when I was doing nothing but wrong she would still make sure I knew how proud of me she was. I'm so happy Grandma was there for me for the most important times growing up, my proms, my graduation, even me finally getting my license. I know she'll never be able to hold my Charlotte, but at least I can say my baby has the best guardian angel I could ever want for her. We have had some pretty awesome years together and I wouldn't change them for the world, the countless hours we would make you tickle our back, or sing ""you are my sunshine"" whenever we were given those long hugs. Thanks for all the wonderful memories you gave me. Well Grandma, this isn't a goodbye it's a see ya later and don't forget I love you the mostest! Everyone knew her for her quick whit, and love for her family. She always had something wise to say and always spoke the truth, she was the backbone to our family and was so very proud of us all. Always bragging about little accomplishments. She showed us that 57 years of love to one man was just the beginning, and giving up wasn't an option. Never telling anyone ""no,"" she guided us through the worst, always repeating ""this too will pass"". The wise words and kind lessons will never fade. Loving her horses and teaching us the same was her passion. Cooking with her was the best, even though a butter knife was our only option for peeling potatoes. Late night talks and early morning giggles were the greatest gift. Arguing about if my cowboy boots were on the right feet, and giving up after hours of trying. The wonderful smiles and hugs that never ended. Raymona Darlene you are my sunshine.