Dr. Edward Mitchell '51—a husband and father, a physician, alumnus and retired board member of Malone University—went home to be with the Lord on May 20 at the age of 93.
 
He and his wife, Ruth Alma (Mosher) '52, met at a young age and attended Malone University (then Cleveland Bible College) together. After graduation, they married on August 16, 1952, and both pursued additional education: medical school at Case Western Reserve University for him and pre-medicine for her before she completed a Master of Science in Nursing from Case.

Dr. Mitchell pastored Oehlhoff Methodist Church for 10 years during medical school and residency. Soon after, he and his family moved to Humacao, Puerto Rico, so he could serve as the chief of surgical services at Ryder Memorial Hospital in 1964.

The Mitchell family returned to Ohio and moved to Alliance in 1966, “because it seemed like a medically harmonious community and allowed us to raise our family in an area where our Friends churches are well known.” They also wanted to be near to Malone. In 1969, Dr. Mitchell began what would become more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Malone University Board of Trustees, including a number of years as chair and vice-chair, as well as countless hours of committee work and leadership.

In 1976, he eagerly began a campaign to raise nearly one million dollars to purchase and restore the old Stark County Barn—transforming it into the Randall Campus Center—one of the most unique student centers found on any university campus. He remained on the Board until 2010.

“Dr. Mitchell is a beautiful example of a man who led and served right alongside of you,” said President Greg Miller. “For him, any work done on behalf of his patients or on behalf of Malone was done with Christ at the forefront. He was humble and wanted to give God all of the glory.”

Outside of his board appointment, Dr. Mitchell was a beloved face to the community of Malone students, faculty, staff, alumni, and volunteers. He attended many concerts and athletic events, and delivered commencement addresses and Chapel sermons on multiple occasions.

His surgical practice in Alliance spanned 28 years, and upon retirement, Dr. Mitchell continued to provide his time and talent as a physician by volunteering his professional services to the Malone Student Health Center.

“He loved medicine and he loved college students. When he volunteered at the Health Center, it was the highlight of his week,” said Tom Young, Ed.D., former dean of student development.

With every opportunity, he taught and preached God’s Word, temporarily filling the pulpit in many local churches. He loved Jesus and loved people, and always wanted to invest in their walks with Christ.

“Ed’s life verse, Matthew 6:33, on which our motto ‘Christ’s Kingdom First’ was based, was truly how he wanted to live his life,” said Jacci Stuckey '77, professor of history. “He felt very strongly about rooting his practice as a medical professional, and his ministry, in the Bible. He knew he could receive a sound Bible education at Cleveland Bible College before medical school and he believed our mission was worth supporting throughout his professional life.”

Winner of the Alumnus of the Year award in 1975, Dr. Mitchell mentored and encouraged Malone faculty and staff so they could serve boldly and compassionately—as Christ does.

“Dr. Mitchell was a man of academic excellence and he held a passionate commitment to live for Christ’s Kingdom First,” said Deborah (Murray) Robinson '78, retired director of alumni relations and current Board member. “His service in support of the spiritual fervor, academic excellence, and advancement of Malone University was outstanding. Ed was ‘ready in season and out of season’ to share the Gospel.  I am forever grateful for his mentorship during my own years of service to Malone.”

The Mitchells directly supported Malone with exceptional financial generosity—the academic building Mitchell Hall is named in their honor. It was dedicated on October 16, 1999, and features a striking stained-glass window with abstract visuals from the University seal.

His commitment to Christ and his family, as well as his generous gifts of time and resources to the EFC-ER, world missions, and Malone students are exemplary to all – now leaving behind a beautiful legacy.

"Ed was an inspiration to me and a model example of a Christian leader," said Ron Johnson ^x64, president emeritus. "Not only was he a key member of our Board, but he was a mentor to me. I cherish his encouragement and friendship, as I did his advice and direction. Ed loved Jesus, his family, the Evangelical Friends Church, and Malone."

He and Ruth Alma were married for 71 years. They have four children: James E. (Barbara) Mitchell ^x79, David L. (Beth) Mitchell, Daniel R. (Rhonda '87) Mitchell ^x84, Janice L. (David) Sickle ^x89, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.