Obituary of Laura-Mae Mitchell

Lancaster - Laura Mae Mitchell, 88, of Greenfield Estates in Lancaster, formerly a 55 year resident of Las Vegas, N.V., passed away suddenly on Thursday (Sept. 5, 2013), at her residence. Mrs. Mitchell was born August 11, 1925, in Salamanca. She was orphaned at 18 months old and was adopted by Lewis and Nellie Westendorf, of Little Valley, from the Randolph Children's Home.She graduated from Little Valley High School in 1943 and was a member of the Alumni Association. She returned to Little Valley frequently, getting together with former classmates. While living in Las Vegas, she worked in many casinos and was also a licensed real estate broker.Mrs. Mitchell was an avid card player and enjoyed listening to audio books. She had many friends which she corresponded with, both writing wonderful letters and keeping up many friendships via email and phone calls.She was predeceased by her husband, Ross J. Mitchell.She is survived by five children and their spouses: Gale (George) See, of Randolph, Greg (Vergie) Goodrich, of Hamburg, Gilda (Wes) Moore, of Groveland, Calif., Jeffery (Tina) Mitchell, of Mukilteo, Wash., and Len Mitchell, of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.Besides her family, she is survived by a dear friend, Paula Tahista, of Las Vegas, and special friends from Greenfield Manor in Lancaster, and Sienna Hills, of Henderson, N.V.Mrs. Mitchell's wishes were to have no visitation. A gathering will be held in Las Vegas at a later date.Inurnment will be in the Bolder City Veteran's Cemetery in Nevada. Arrangements are entrusted to the VanRensselaer & Son Funeral Home, Randolph, N.Y. To leave a condolence, log onto vanrensselaerandsonfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be sent to the Little Valley Memorial Library, 110 Rock City St., Little Valley, N.Y. 14755.