Jeannette L. Kitch

Jeannette Lorraine Knapp Kitch passed away February 8, 2016 in North Newton, Kansas and was a resident of the Kidron Bethel Retirement Community. She was born January 26, 1918 to Homer and Mary Knapp in Rocky Ford, Colorado.  Jeannette enjoyed working, playing and growing up on the family farm.  Upon graduation from Rocky Ford High School, Jeannette enrolled in her parents’, alma mater, Colorado State College of Agriculture & Mechanical Arts (now Colorado State University), in Fort Collins.  Jeannette was active in campus activities and in her senior year she was elected as President of the Associated Women students.  During her term of office she laid the cornerstone of the first Women’s Dormitory built on campus.  She was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority.  She graduated in 1940 as a Pacemaker from Colo. A. & M. with a teaching degree in Home Economics and taught in Wray, CO.

Jeannette married Paul Kitch on May 18, 1941 at the First United Methodist Church of Rocky Ford. She was an active member of the Rocky Ford First United Methodist Church, serving as United Methodist Women’s President, Church Circle Leader, Sunday school teacher and sponsor of Jr. High Youth, and as the Junior Leader of the Rocky Mountain United Methodist Conference.

Jeannette was a charter member of Colorado P.E.O. Chapter EU in which she served as president and in 1992 received her 50-year membership pin. She also served a three year term on the Colorado State P.E.O. Finance Committee.

Jeannette was also actively involved in her children’s activities and served as a 4-H Leader, 4-H Judge at County Fairs, Local P.T.A. President and Program Chairman for Colorado State P.T.A.

Jeannette and Paul celebrated 51 years of married life and enjoyed many special times in traveling abroad, square dancing, playing bridge and entertaining family and friends in their country home. Paul died after a fatal heart attack on March 13, 1992.  In 1995, Jeannette moved to North Newton, Kansas and became a resident of Kidron Bethel Retirement Village.  Jeannette remained active in Newton First United Methodist Church, a member of P.E.O. Chapter AG, Kidron Bethel Women’s Auxiliary, several bridge groups and continued to enjoy traveling.

Survivors include: daughter and son-in-law, Kay and David Ediger of Newton, KS; son and daughter-in-law, David and Terri Kitch, of Rocky Ford, CO; sister, Joyce Sherwood of Walnut Creek, CA; sister-in-law, Eleanor Knapp of Rocky Ford, CO and many nieces and nephews.  Grandchildren include:  Mark and Akiko Roe of Naperville, IL; Alyssa and Byron Rupp of Andover, KS; Jared and Suanne Ediger of Highlands Ranch, CO; Clint and Stephanie Calli of Colo. Springs, CO. and Cody Kitch of Rocky Ford, CO.  Great grandchildren are:  Alexander and Jennifer Roe; Braden, Keaton and Adalyn Rupp; Miles and Kelsey Ediger and Carter Calli.

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Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Paula Roe, sister and brother-in-law Grace and Lew Wendel and brother Alden Knapp.

A private family burial will be held at Rocky Ford Hillcrest Cemetery and a celebration of Jeannette’s life will be held at the Rocky Ford United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Memorials may be given to the Rocky Ford United Methodist Church or Newton First United Methodist Church in care of Peterson’s Funeral Home.