Michell “Mitch” G. de la Vega
Mitch, Papa, Grandfather, Baby, Brother, went by many names and loved his family so much. He had many friends in the community and whenever you were out with him he would get stopped by someone who wanted to say hello. He had a charismatic and dynamic personality. Although Mitch was small in stature, he was big in his generosity and compassion for others. In his lifetime he helped many people quietly, not seeking recognition.
Mitch attended Santa Barbara schools and was in the first graduating class at San Marcos High School in 1961. He was an all-around athlete and lettered in basketball, track, baseball, and especially football where he was known as “Mighty Mouse”. He is in the San Marcos High School Hall of Fame and also was voted Homecoming King with a full two page spread in the yearbook.
Mitch attended Santa Barbara City College where he continued to be a football superstar. He married his high school sweetheart, Sue Stauffer, in 1962 and settled in Goleta where they would raise their three children. In 1964 they bought their first home for $17,000 in downtown Goleta and soon after they welcomed their first daughter followed by twins, a boy and a girl. Mitch worked very hard and was a great provider for his family. For many years he held three jobs working days and nights. Eventually, he settled at Goleta Union school district and learned finish carpentry. He designed and made furniture and cabinetry for the classrooms and offices. His work was highly regarded. He continued his carpentry career at Westmont College, Devereaux, and The Battistone Foundation.
In 1987, Mitch married Sharon Hull, and they eventually settled in Buellton, CA. They enjoyed travel, friends, golfing and life was good – they were happily married for 37 years!
Mitch continued participating in sports throughout his life, playing fast pitch baseball in Santa Barbara city league and began a lifetime love of golf in which he won many tournaments both at Santa Barbara Muni Course and later as a member of The Mission Club in Lompoc.
Mitch suffered a stroke in 2011, and despite many years of physical therapy, he was never able to regain his former active capabilities. However, Mitch was comfortable at home surrounded by family and could be found most days in his favorite recliner chair watching his favorite movies and sports on his 100” screen TV! Recently he suffered another stroke and passed away one week later, on August 12, 2025. He was surrounded by love and care and family and friends were able to say their farewells.
Mitch is survived by his devoted wife Sharon (Soden, Hull), his daughters Cindy “Cyna” Naea (Sam Taylor) of Buellton, Jan “Skye” Taylor of Santa Barbara, and his son Joel de la Vega of New Mexico. He enjoyed three grandchildren, Jaclyn (Andberg) (Dorian) Simon, Hayley Andberg, and Alexander Andberg. He delighted in his two great granddaughters, Alana Argueta and Aurora Simon. He is also survived by his two brothers, Henry and Carlos de la Vega and was preceded in death by his parents, Amparo and Henry and his brothers, Fernando and Joseph de la Vega.
A Celebration of Life open house will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 from 1 to 5 PM at home in Buellton, 480 Riverview Drive. Donations may be made to Hospice.
