Alice Mitchell Pettus Ash, 99, known as "Mitch," died May 2, 2023, in her residence at Harbor's Edge, Norfolk, Virginia. A native of Mecklenburg Co., Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Henry Mangum and Lola Bull Pettus, and was raised in South Hill, Virginia. She was also predeceased by her brothers and sister, Henry M., William S., and Elizabeth C. Pettus; and a stepson, Thomas M. Ash. She was married to the late Dr. Andrew W. Hargroves, Jr., from 1951 to 1974, and was the widow of Roy F. Ash, Jr.

Mitch is survived by her son, William S. Hargroves of Portsmouth; her daughter, Elizabeth H. Munford (John) of Virginia Beach; and a stepson, David S. Ash (Johanna) of Richmond. She was the devoted grandmother of Sarah P. Munford (Alex Menke), William D. Munford, and John B. Munford (fiancée Jessi Lee Covington).

Mitch was an alumna of Madison College (JMU) and earned a degree in library science from Old Dominion University. She was a teacher and a librarian for several years in Portsmouth Public Schools. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, and a former member of the Portsmouth Service League, the Elizabeth River Garden Club, and the Portsmouth Students' Club.

Mitch's favorite roles were loving mother and grandmother, and she excelled at both. She was always supportive of her family's endeavors and was devoted to them all. She leaves a legacy of kindness, friendship, humor, and consideration, all of which were hallmarks of her life.

The family wishes to thank the Seniorcorp aides whose devoted care made living easier for Mitch over the past few years, as well as the compassion and care provided by the staff of Suncrest Hospice.

A graveside service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth. A reception will follow at Trinity Episcopal Church at High and Court Streets.

Although she lived in Norfolk in recent years, Mitch long considered Portsmouth "home." In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Portsmouth Museums Foundation, 521 Middle St., Portsmouth, VA 23704; the Elizabeth River Garden Club, P.O. Box 7923, Portsmouth, VA 23703; or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.