Obituary

Ione Ann Kitchen, 88, of Rome City died Sunday, December 9, 2007, at 2:15 am at her residence with her family at her side.

Godly women are writing their history not on the pages of their own book, but in the lives of those around them whom they love and serve. Ione Kitchen spent her life unknown by the world in the narrow circle of her home within which she labored increasingly for God, her family, and others. Ione's firm spiritual foundation became a cornerstone for many. She prayed without ceasing, interceding for friends and family.

Mrs. Kitchen had lived in this area since the age of 16, coming from West Virginia. She had retired from the Rome City School after working many years in the cafeteria. She was a member of the Rehobeth Missionary Church in Albion, and enjoyed flowers and gardening.

She was born March 22, 1919, in Lewisburg, West Virginia, to Howard & Ida Marm (Dozier) Linthicum. On September 26, 1936, in LaGrange she married John Edward Robert Kitchen. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2003.

Surviving are three sons and daughters-in-law, John Robert & Marcia Ann Kitchen of Rome City, Kenneth & Laura Kitchen of Matthews, Indiana, and Michael & Denise Kitchen of Crown Point, Indiana; seven daughters and six sons-in-law, Marie & Dan Donat of Mt. Vernon, Washington, Marilyn & Jack Klinefelter of Warsaw, Marceil Ritter of Loveland, Colorado, Marcia Kay & Mike Wooten of Wawaka, Maxine & Don Hunter of Acme, Michigan, Mary & Steve Beha of Albany, Ohio, and Melody & Brett Huffman of Kendallville; 31 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 35 great grandchildren; 11 step great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; two brothers, Ed Linthicum of Auburn and Albert Bennett of Big Island, Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Elsie Linthicum of Goshen.

She was preceded in death by nine brothers, one sister, one grandchild, one great grandchild, and one son-in-law, Ron Ritter.

Funeral services will be private. Officiating will be Rev. Gerald Ringenberg and Rev. Jack Worth. Burial will be in Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casketbearers will be Jack Klinefelter, Jr., John Klinefelter, Mark Acres, John Anthony Kitchen, Todd Wooten, Stevie Beha, Anthony Kitchen, and Caleb Kitchen. Junior honorary casketbearers will be Josiah Beha, Bryce Kitchen, Casey Kitchen, Mikey Kitchen, and Ethan Huffman.

Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

Young Family Funeral Home, Wolcottville Chapel, State Road 9 North, Wolcottville is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com