Betty Kitchen

WICKLIFFE, Ky. — Betty Jean Kitchen, 88, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at Countryside Rehab and Nursing in Bardwell, Kentucky.

She lived most of her life in McClure, Illinois. Betty was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Cairo, Illinois, to her parents, Aaron and Pauline Harr Smith.

She retired after 33 years of service at Florsheim Shoe Factory in Cape Girardeau. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed dancing. Betty loved to go to church. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. Betty enjoyed listening to gospel music. Christmas was her favorite time of year.

She is survived by two sons, Mike Coleson of Millcreek, Illinois, and Wayne (Laura) Coleson of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Brenda (Stanley Kee) Harvell of Wickliffe and Gail (John) Ryan of Metropolis, Illinois; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Floyd Coleson, and second husband, Bill Kitchen; daughter, Marilyn Kaufman and her husband, Billy Gene; daughter-in-law, Patricia Coleson; son-in-law, Ronnie Harvell; three sisters; six brothers; and her parents.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec, 29, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Dave McNeelly officiating. Burial will follow at Lindsey Cemetery in McClure.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.