OSAGE CITY, Kan. – Beverly “Bevie Jean” Mitchell, 88, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at her home in Osage City, Kan. She was born Feb. 9, 1937, in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of Ralph and Virginia Rose (Firner) Mitchell.
Bevie Jean grew up in Hiawatha, Kan., and she began helping with the family business at age 14. She would load gravel onto large trucks and then haul to local customers.
She graduated from Hiawatha High School in 1955. She led several parades as drum major and was also head cheerleader. Bev was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, winning several trophies at AMA competitions. Her bike of choice was a Triumph Bonneville.
After high school, she married Don Whitsell, and they moved to Troy, Kan. They had two children. They later divorced.
Bevie Jean had lived in Topeka, Kan., before moving to Osage City in 2018, with many places in between.
Bevie Jean worked as a dental hygienist for more than 60 years. She had become an avid Trump supporter.
Bevie Jean was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Virginia.
Bevie Jean is survived by her two children, Ginny Jo Whitsell-Millsaps, of Osage City, and Terry Don (Kim) Whitsell, Troy; three brothers, Jim (Joann) Mitchell, Hiawatha, Bob (Barbara) Mitchell, Manassas, Va., and Ward (Debbie) Mitchell, Hiawatha; five grandchildren, Carly Jo Whitsell, Jarred “Buck” (Shenna) Whitsell, Jennifer Millsaps, Celeste (Roland) Morgan and Jared (Alex) Adkins; 13 great-grandchildren, Colton, Janelle, Jagger, Tiger, Meadow, McKinlee and Ella, Wednesday, Trenton, Landon, Maddy, Kinsley and Vada; numerous nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.
Two celebrations of her life will be held to accommodate her array of lifelong friends and family: 2-4 p.m. Jan. 17, at the Leonard Clary Community Building, Troy, Kan., early visitors are welcome; and 6 p.m. Feb. 7, at 4300 SW Conservatory Dr. (south of the Reinisch Rose Garden), Topeka.
Memorial contributions can be made to Kansas Family Stroke Foundation, sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
