Wilda Kitchen

Wilda June Kitchen, 91, of Cape Girardeau passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at Ratliff Care Center.

She was born Dec. 31, 1928, in Cape Girardeau to the late George and Ethel Ford. She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1946, and July 25, 1946, she married Paul "Junior" F. Kitchen. They were married for 48 years, when he passed away Sept. 24, 1994.

Wilda was a charter member of First Pentecostal Church of Cape Girardeau, where she served as secretary/treasurer, Sunday school teacher, organist and pianist and, most of all, was a shining example to all who knew her. She made countless meals and potluck dishes for church gatherings. Service was her specialty. If you knew her, she most likely invited you to her church. God and family were her top priorities, in that order.

She retired from Saint Francis Medical Center in 1997, where she worked in the business office for 25 years. She was a very detailed, dedicated employee and made many friends along the way.

Wilda is survived by a son, Paul A. (Peggy) Kitchen, and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Kitchen, both of Cape Girardeau; special niece, Becky Driskell of Cape Girardeau; brother, Don Ford of Hewitt, Texas; grandchildren, Angie (Bard) Womack, Alison (Chris) Moorman, Tatum (Kari) Kitchen and Kory (Lauren) Kitchen; eight great-grandchildren, Lexi McMahon, Zach Morningstar, Max and McKenzie Moorman, Claire, Cole, Cooper and Luke Kitchen; and great-great-grandchild, Ayden Michael Jenkins. Also surviving are many beloved nieces, nephews and family members.

She was preceded in death by a son, Terry W. Kitchen; parents; a sister and three brothers.

Wilda's entire family would like to recognize the excellent care provided by the staff at Ratliff Care Center over the past three years. Your loving kindness will never be forgotten.

Due to COVID-19, a private family service will be held, with burial at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery. Darrell E. Faire of First Pentecostal Church in Cape Girardeau will officiate the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Cape Girardeau Public Schools Foundation, Terry W. Kitchen Scholarship, 301 N. Clark, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.