Huntsville - Eleanor Rettig Mitchell, 96, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, with her family around her. She was born in Houston, Texas but lived in Huntsville for the last 62 years. She graduated from The UnIversity of Houston with both a B. A. and an M. A. in English, then later, a PhD at Texas A & M University. After teaching in public schools in Houston, she became an English professor at Sam Houston State University from 1963-1994. Eleanor wrote a column called "What People Say" for the Huntsville Item as well as book reviews for the Houston Chronicle for several years. Many people called her The Rose Lady as she tended 189 rose bushes and designed arrangements with the roses for SHSU events, weddings, showers and other events. Dr. Mitchell is survived by daughters Pam Longley of Houston and Karen McKeand (husband, Tim) of Katy, grandchildren Brandon Copeland (wife, Jen) of Katy, and Heidi Jones of Houston; great grandchildren Muhammad, Khalid, Ayah and Sarah Aly, all of Houston, and Sadie and Ellie Copeland of Katy; nephew Mark Kirk (wife, Cheryl) and great nieces, April Kirk Williams (husband, Parker)and Ashlyn Kirk (husband, Roger) all of Houston. A private family memorial service is pending.