Barbara Hobart Mitten

PARADISE VALLEY – Barbara Hobart Mitten, of Paradise Valley, Arizona, lived an extraordinary life of 86 years and passed away on Oct. 6, 2018 with her beloved family by her side.

She lived her life to the fullest every day. She had a megawatt smile, crystal clear blue eyes, a kind and big heart, and an infectious laugh that drew everyone closer.

She grew up in Evanston, Illinois, and attended Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. She met the love of her life, Roger Charles Mitten, at Brown. Barbara graduated from Brown in 1954. They married in 1955, and spent the next 53 years together. Barbara and Roger traveled the world, and were never apart – except during his Army service in the Korean War.

They moved to Phoenix, and became active in tennis and golf at the West Side tennis club, Phoenix Country Club, and Paradise Valley Country Club. She also loved aerobics at the Village and went nearly seven days a week for 40 years.

Barbara ran junior tennis tournaments and volunteered at the Maricopa County courthouse. She was a leader in the Junior League of Phoenix for many years. She also served on the boards of ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists Foundation), St. Joseph’s, Barrow’s, Mayo and Phoenix Memorial hospitals.

Roger was the Mitten family’s charismatic leader, and Barbara was the gentle giant guiding our lives. She is survived by her children Roger Jr. (Betsy), Fred, and Jane, grandchildren Annie and Emily, and her sister, Nancy Hobart Holden.

The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life. If you would like to know more please contact the family at 602.840.5765

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities in her name: Brown University Sports Foundation, Helen Woodward Animal Center, ARCS/Phoenix Chapter, PCRI-Prostate Cancer Research Institute.