Delores Jean Kitchell

Delores Jean Kitchell, affectionately known as Dee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the age of 77. Born on August 9, 1947, Dee was the daughter of the late Paul Politte and Laura (Owens) Politte.

Dee's life was a beautiful testament to the love of family and her kind and hospitable spirit. She was united in marriage to Vernon Kitchell on December 22, 1965, in Park Hills after dating for only four months. Their bond, which flourished over sixty years, exemplified true love through the simple joys of life spent together. Dee and Vernon shared not only their lives but also their hearts. They enjoyed visits with family and the warmth of each other's company.

A devoted wife, mom and grandma, Dee is survived by her loving husband, Vernon Kitchell, and their three children: Angie (Dennis) Cash, Kenny (Tammy) Kitchell, and Laurie (Rob) Hercher. She found immense joy in her six grandchildren: Brittney Cash (Leah Harvey), Dennis Cash (Blake Werner), Jacob (Cassie) Hercher, Justin Hercher (Sally Grieshaber), Kenneth (Kayleen) Kitchell, and Kristopher Kitchell; and her great grandson, Fletcher Kitchell, who brought light and laughter to her days.

Dee was a woman of many interests and passions. She had a green thumb, nurturing her flower garden and house plants with care. Her home was a welcoming haven for neighborhood kids and friends alike; no visitor ever left without being offered a meal. Dee cherished moments spent over coffee with her family. Her faith played an integral role in her life, making her a fervent prayer warrior. She dedicated herself to reading her Bible daily, drawing strength from God's word.

Dee's legacy extends beyond her immediate family. She is also survived by her in-laws: John and Georgia Kitchell, Donald Kitchell, Bill Kitchell, Barbara Kitchell, Wanda Hinkle, and Mary Rawlinson; special cousin, Donna Maramo; alongside a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who all held her dear.

While we mourn the loss of Dee, we also celebrate the joyful life she led, filled with love, compassion, and devotion. Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Laura Politte, as well as her twelve siblings: Olin and Delores Gibson, Leon and Nora Gibson, Donald and Jennie Gibson, Melvin and Lorretta Gibson, Alvin and Ruby Gibson, Ida Gibson Combs, Lillie and Floyd Benson, Leroy Gibson, Laura and Bill Robinett, Marilyn and Earl “Keeter” Skaggs, Karen Sue Politte, and Paul Politte and Marilyn Dickey; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Viola Kitchell, as well as her in-laws, Benny and Beverly Kitchell, David Kitchell, Melvin Hinkle, Alan Rawlinson, and JoJo Kitchell.

A visitation and funeral service to honor Dee's life will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at DeClue Funeral Home in Potosi, MO. Visitation will begin at 10:30 AM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM with Elder Mike Jarvis officiating. Interment and final prayers will be held at Redbud Memorial Gardens. Funeral arrangements were respectfully entrusted to the care and direction of DeClue Funeral Home.