Not one to give in to self-pity, Ena soon established herself in a career of public service. In 1986 a friend of hers developed the following summary of some of her public life accomplishments:

“Ena Mitchell’s life of public service encompasses a colorful variety of noteworthy positions including an appointment by the Democratic County Chairwoman as Case Worker, for the State of New Mexico under the organization then known as the Federal Emergency Relief Agency/1934—November 1942. This was during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Ten years service as Director of the Hidalgo County Office of Public Welfare led to another public position. Clerk in the Office of Price Administration, an appointment made by the Hidalgo County State Rationing Board, during World War II.

Ena has supported the Democratic Party all of her adult life. Attending State and County conventions and serving as Precinct Chairman increased her interest in State and Local Political efforts) in which she has continued to play an active role.

Elected to the office of Hidalgo County Treasurer (1953), Ena served four years in that capacity followed by two years as Deputy Treasurer.

Appointed by the Board of Hidalgo County Commissioners in 1975 to attend an organizational meeting of the District State of New Mexico Council of Governments, Ena became aware of the Older Americans Act. Interest in this legislation spurred her to greater activity in founding an Older Americans Program in Hidalgo County.

With the cooperation of State, County and City Governments and interested citizens of the community, Ena wasted no time in formulating plans for the creation of the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Senior Citizens Center.

Established in 1976, this program continues to provide congregate meals and hot meals delivered to homebound elderly citizens of Lordsburg. The companionship, friendship and recreational activities offered in the Center lend relief to hours otherwise spent in loneliness and solitude. In addition, daily contact with homebound clients gives assurance that someone is aware and cares about them.

Ena’s community interests are endless. In addition to her commitment to the Senior Citizens program, she was appointed to the position of Co-chairwoman of the Lordsburg Bicentennial Committee (1976). For her untiring efforts she was presented the Lordsburg Bicentennial Flag by the State Bicentennial Committee, met the Bicentennial Wagon Train six miles out of town and rode the New Mexico [wagon] into Lordsburg where she had assisted in preparations for a County Bar-B-Q and celebration. She was also given a certificate of appreciation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, signed by the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of that state.

Not wishing to waste time in idleness, Ena proceeded to compile and publish a book of stories containing information of early events in Lordsburg and Hidalgo County. Presenting a better understanding of the struggle and hardships endured by earlier residents, the stories were gathered to preserve the heritage of this particular area of New Mexico, “IN THE SHADOWS OF THE PYRAMIDS.”

While serving as Chairwoman of the State of New Mexico Area Agency on Aging, in 1978 Ena received certificates of appreciation from Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments and New Mexico Resource Conservation and Development of District V.

1979 brought an appointment of Colonel, Aide-de Camp from Roberto Mondragon, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Mexico.

Appointment as a Member of the State of New Mexico Area Planning Board for District V by Governor Bruce King came in 1981, and Ena has for the past three years presided as District V Chairman of the New Mexico Coalition for Senior Citizens.

Ena’s concern for her fellow beings has not been confined to the elderly. She has served as American Legion Auxiliary State Chairman, District President, Local Unit President and is now Secretary of the Local Unit.

In her service to others she is functioning as Auxiliary Girls State Chairman, working with Lordsburg High School Junior Class Girls, advising and preparing them for the opportunity to attend Girls State each year. Sponsored by the National and State American Legion Auxiliary, she contacts various clubs and organizations in Lordsburg for their support in the Girls State Program.

Interest in people of all ages has led Ena to sponsor and work with the New Mexico Extension Service, primarily for the benefit of 4-H youths. She has also sponsored and worked with Cub Scouts, teaching the Scouting Program.

Ena is a member of the Salvation Army Sponsored Program in Lordsburg, cooperating with the Phoenix, Arizona office. The Lordsburg High School Band Organization was not neglected when Ena served as President. Senior Citizens have never been deserted, as Ena presently serves as Chairman of the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Commission on Aging, a guiding force in the Senior Citizens Program (1976, 1977 and 1980 to 1985, also 1986 to 1992).

Ena has, for the past eight years presided as Probate Judge of Hidalgo County, an elected position. She is honored, respected, loved…and has never had to purchase an oversized hat.” (Source: Written in 1986 by "Sarah," a Registered Nurse employed by the State of New Mexico.)

Also during this same time she served in Relief Society, Mutual (Young Women), Sunday School, and Primary organizations in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Always faithfully discharging her duties and responsibilities in those organizations.

In 1945 Ena remarried. She married Wayne Virgil Mitchell originally from Raymondville, Missouri. Wayne was a Car Inspector for the Southern Pacific railroad. Wayne passed away in May 1960 in Tucson, Arizona. From 1952 to 1960 they had a 320-acre desert-claim homestead about 10 miles east of Lordsburg, New Mexico.

Ena passed away after a short illness on December 1, 1992. She was buried next to her husband Charles in the Mountain View cemetery in Lordsburg, New Mexico on December 5, 1992. At the time of her death she had 7 grandchildren and, 19 great- grandchildren.

Ena’s commitment to her family, Church, fellowman, country and community are an example we can all emulate. Life demands courage, and courageous families pull together. It is my hope and prayer that her posterity will always be mindful of her sacrifice and service. A finer legacy cannot be found.