Amalia Molly Sonka Mitchell passed peacefully with many family members at her side on Feb. 18, 2007, in Victoria. She was born in Rivera on March 9,1928, to immigrant parents Julianna Schmid and Josef W. Sonka.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Norman Galle Sr. and W.J. "Lefty" Mitchell; son, Norman H. Galle Jr.; as well as her sisters, Julia Pearson, Henrietta Glick and Maggie Krohn; and her brothers, Emil, Joe, Odie and Carl Sonka.

Mrs. Mitchell is survived by her sister, Mary Williams of Las Vegas, Nev.; children, daughter Kathryn and husband Jimmy Cockroft of Buton and her son, L.W., Buster, and wife Carolyn Mitchell of Glen Flora. She leaves behind her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Todd Galle and children Jacob and Jordon of Seguin; Bart and Jen Galle of Austin. Also, Tommy and Melaina Cockroft and son Case of Rosharon; Clint and Laura Mitchell and daughter Alexandra of San
Antonio; Wade Mitchell and her only granddaughter Keely Mitchell of Glen Flora.

Her life was lived to the fullest in Matagorda County. Molly B. and Lefty owned several businesses in Bay City throughout their 37 years together. She was a woman of many talents and diverse interests having worn many hats, from rodeos to trucking.

Mrs. Mitchell lived her life with gusto, strength and knowledge. She stepped beyond the typical female boundaries. She could overhaul a motor, run a trot line and hunted and shot pool with the best of them. An avid camper and storyteller, she enjoyed competing in local barbecue cook offs with her longtime companion Slim Hassel, often winning with her beans.

Her faith and character marked her near 79 years on Earth. Mrs. Mitchell had a favorite verse: Romans 8:38 to 39. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels ... nor anything else in all
creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Wheeler Funeral Home at 612 Jackson St. in El Campo. Church services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Christian Church, 205 W. West St. in El Campo with lunch and fellowship to follow. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. at Hawley Cemetery near Blessing on Highway 35. Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Funeral Home in El Campo.