Elaine Marie Mitchell

Elaine M. Espinoza Mitchell

1/25/1947 ~ 10/23/2025

A wife, mother, sister, warrior, Viet Nam Veteran and friend was called home to glory to accept her reward for a job well done. She tirelessly worked to make life better for disabled American Veterans and their families.

Elaine M. Espinoza Mitchell was born and raised in Cimarron, New Mexico to Casey and Madelina Espinoza. She attended and graduated from Springer High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. She earned a bachelor’s degree and served in many locations such as Viet Nam, Germany, two tours in Korea, and a special assignment at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA. She was medically retired from the Army and worked in Ankara Turkey with the Navy Section. She later went to work for the Department of the Air Force where she retired after 32 years. Her most important achievement - SHE ACCEPTED JESUS CHRIST AS HER LORD AND SAVIOR.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Edward; son, Edward II (Janann). She is also survived by her sisters, Elsie, Diana (Freddie), Kathy (Fonzie), Nettie (Roger), Ruby and brother, Jerry (Julia). Elaine was called a “walking miracle” by the staff at Walter Reed Hospital because she was in a military accident in Germany, which severed her spinal cord. She woke up eight weeks later, was in a body cast for 18 months and paralyzed for two years and told she would not walk again. God blessed her to overcome and not only walk again but re-enlisted in the Army.

She was a two-time State Commander for the Disabled American Veterans and 4 times as Commander for DAV Chapter 5 in Rio Rancho. She was the first female elected to Command Chapter 5. Elaine volunteered as a member of the Chapter 5 Honor Guard for many years. She has received the National Defense Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with cluster, Army Commendation Medal with cluster, Sharp Shooter Badge – US Army, Army Achievement Medal, Viet Nam Campaign Medal (More than 6 months in Country), Sharp Shooter Award – Schutzenschnur, First Woman in American or German History to win a “Schutzenschnur”; which was documented in German newspapers. Elaine was selected for special assignments at Camron Station, Alexandria, VA; where she was a model for the new Army uniform displaying the female uniform across the USA.

Elaine has been described by her friends and associates as a truly extraordinary human being, leader, volunteer, disabled veteran, warrior and caring person. She did not allow her PTSD to get in the way of her helping disabled veterans. She was the subject of an article by Frances Fanning in the Rio Rancho Journal dated Wednesday, November 7, 2007, titled, “Female Vet Goes Extra Mile for Those in Need.” Elaine was a volunteer at the VA Hospital for many years.

Elaine loved her family and would defend them against anyone friend or foe. She is quoted as saying, “it’s okay for people to talk bad about me but expect a fight if you talk bad about my husband and/or son.”

Elaine was a member of the Community Baptist Church and is married to Deacon Edward C. Mitchell, Major USAF/Tet, they made their home in Rio Rancho, NM.

Special thanks to Dr. Diego J. Gonzalez and his Staff at the Loveless Pain Clinic, Dr. Eva Houghton (Loveless) and the dedicated Doctors, Nurses and Staff at the Murphy VA Hospital, Loveless Hospital, Rust Hospital and The Suite Rehab Center. The Loveless and Rust ER and ICU are outstanding. God bless.