Connie Marie Mitchem passed away peacefully at her home Sept. 3, 2026, following a long struggle with dementia.
Connie was born Dec. 6, 1951, in Rigby, Idaho, to Calvin and Dorothy Hunsaker. The family moved to Oroville, California, where Connie graduated from Las Plumas High School and Butte Community College. She had five siblings, Verena Stohlman, Nancy Carlson, Marlene Stott, David Hunsaker and Dan Hunsaker. The family moved to Tenino, Washington, when Cal went to work at the steam plant.
Connie had various jobs before working at Yard Birds shopping center for about 15 years. It was there that she met the love of her life, Doug Mitchem. The courtship began with roses on Mother’s Day and a plate of homemade chocolate chip cookies on his doorstep a couple of days later. Connie put up with Doug’s love of sports, and they were married Feb. 12, 1977. They had six children, Lance, Drew, Wesley, Alecia Holder, Brittany Galindo and Staci Coyner. Connie worked at Fred Meyer RSC after Yard Birds closed. She was there until she retired.
Connie was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doug and Connie were sealed together in the Oakland California Temple. Connie served in Primary for her entire adult life and held every position in it through the years. She loved teaching the children and singing with them. She sang in the choir and would volunteer to serve whenever anyone called for help. Connie sang in a quartet with Carol Fuller, Linda Hillstrom and Shawna Peterson, and when they sang “Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy” at church gatherings, it brought the house down. (They were awesome.)
She loved her kids and seeing them grow up. She enjoyed her Hawaii trip with Doug after their retirement, especially the cultural center and the Laie Temple. Connie’s favorite activity of all was her trips and time together with her closest and dearest friend, Terri Guerrero. She loved you dearly, and the family is so grateful for you.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by Doug and the kids, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A special thanks to the wonderful people from Assured Hospice-Centralia, especially the two Heathers, who proved every day that there are angels on earth.
A graveside service will be held at Doss Cemetery in Mossyrock at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16. A celebration of life will be held at the Centralia Ward on Mount Vista on Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 3 p.m.
Connie’s favorite song was one from Primary: “Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too. When your heart is filled with love, others will love you.”
Rest in peace, Connie, and know many others truly do love you.
