Ione Leinaala Pavletich (Mitchell), 82, passed away on February 22, 2022 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Pat and Cheryl Gochnour. She was born June 19, 1939, to Manuel and Mabel (Camera) Mitchell in Spreckelsville, Maui, Hawaii.
At the age of 7; along with her twin sister, mother and stepfather, Ione moved to the “mainland”. She graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1958. In 1958, Ione married Lee M. Gochnour, they later divorced. In 1965 she married Gerald W. Pavletich and they remained married until his untimely death in 1994.
Ione was very proud of her Hawaiian heritage. At a younger age, she taught hula lessons and even after a stroke and partial paralysis, she continued to hula from her wheelchair. She performed at many Channel Point Village luaus. Even with the use of only one arm her hand movements were graceful and continued to tell a story.
Ione LOVED to dance and was very good at doing so. Many dance parties were had in the living room of her home with her young children. These continued into their adulthood with their own families. Her final dance was in her wheelchair at her granddaughter’s wedding surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She “still” owned the dance floor.
Ione was an accomplished hostess both at her longtime employment and at her home. Her festive unique recipes and her imaginative cocktails were perfectly paired with the dinner served.
Ione was a loud and proud Grizzly even when her children were born and raised Bobcats. She loyally attended every class reunion possible.
In her later years, her signature accessory was a flower in her hair—just like those hula dancers from her childhood.
Ione was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, brother and husband. She is survived by her beloved twin sister Dawn Wika of Hoquiam and her children Lee “Pat” Gochnour (Cheryl) Aberdeen, Karmen Byrd (Marty) Denver, Jeff Gochnour (Tamie) Montesano, Toni Williams (Gordon) Aberdeen, Rose Nielsen (David) Monroe, Jeri Burgett San Diego, Joni Spitzer (Karl) Rocklin, CA. She cherished her 12 grandchildren who were made to feel special by Grandma at all times, her 6 great grandchildren, along with her special nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank Channel Point Village for their many years of loving care.
A celebration of life has already been scheduled and will be held June 18, 2022, at Friends Landing at 1PM. Burial took place at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen, WA.
Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, WA.
A hui hoa kakou mama aloha makou ia oe (until we meet again mom, we love you)
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