Velma Lucille Kitchen

Lucille Kitchen, age 91, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on January 28, 2026, at James River Nursing & Rehabilitation. Lucille was born to Clifford Hubbart and Velma McAninch Hubbart on May 10, 1934 in Ft. Wayne, IN. Lucille was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Kitchen on July 12, 1952 in Ft Wayne IN

Lucille went to school at Leo High School, after high school she trained to be a secretary which she worked at till her marriage. While Richard was in college she babysat children in their home till he graduated. They then moved to California, till Richard took a job in St Louis Missouri. They moved to Wentzville Mo and Lucille was a homemaker. Once the children were all in school she worked as a cook at the school cafeteria. She then worked as the gift store manager at the 76 truck stop in Foristell, MO. She finished her career at the O'Fallon Mo K-mart. She retired and moved to the Lake of the Ozarks to fish. They then moved to Springfield Mo.

She coached a senior girls Softball team for the Wentzville baseball/softball Association. She loved coaching them, but did not appreciate getting up early so they could practice before they had to be at their summer jobs.

Raising her children, fishing, and traveling were her greatest joys.

Lucille was preceded in death by her spouse, Richard Kitchen; father, Clifford Hubbart; mother, Velma Hubbart and her brothers, Clifford Jr, Robert, and Carleton.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Joe) Eccher; daughter Kathryn Kitchen; son Richard (Susan) Kitchen Jr.; son Michael (Linda) Kitchen; Grandchildren Kimberly, Kelly, Katie, Kristen, Jonathan, Kara, Amanda, David, and Alissa. 24 Great Grandchildren. 2 Great Great Grandchildren, along with many Nieces and Nephews

A memorial service for Lucille will be held at McCombs Funeral Home in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, at a later date. The burial will be at Bowers Cemetery located in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the American Arthritis Foundation would be appreciated.

Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.