Duane Mitchell passed away peacefully on February 26, 2016, surrounded by her family. She was just shy of her 97th birthday. She was born in Kansas, was raised in Hollywood, and moved to Lompoc in 1998 to be with her family after the death of her husband Don. She enjoyed her position as County Clerk and Stenographer for San Bernardino County. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed her family and friends. She will be remembered always for her happy disposition and positive attitude. She spent her last two years at the Lompoc Valley Medical Comprehensive Care Center, where she was affectionately known as "grandma."
She is survived her two sisters Billie Pearson of Fresno, CA, and Vinnie Klingensmith of Palm Springs, CA, as well as her three daughters: Valerie Pico Jones (Ron) of Coarse Gold, Margo Pico Poloni (Louie) of Oceanside, and Trudy Pico Perry (Mike) of Lompoc. She is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Services will be private. Donations can be made in her honor to the Lompoc Comprehensive Care Center Activities Department.