Mary H. Kitts
Mary H. Kitts, of Barlow, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 18, 2024, at the age of 95, surrounded by her loving children. Born on August 2, 1929, in Marietta, she was the daughter of Pearly Leroy Brown, Sr. and Nora Ethel Schafer Brown.
In her youth, Mary worked as an usher at local movie theaters and as a telephone operator. Later, she served as a bus driver for Ewing School in Marietta, dedicating herself to supporting individuals with disabilities and their families. She was also a long-time member of the Ohio Child Conservation League. Mary took great pride in her roots in Marietta, especially in her family’s beloved bakery, Brownies Donut and Pastry Shop.
Known for her keen sense of humor, Mary had a gift for teasing those closest to her–a trait that lives on in her sons. Even in her final year, amidst the sorrow of losing her beloved husband, she continued to share her playful spirit with the aides, nurses, and residents at Lindley Inn.
Mary married William (Bill) S. Kitts on September 27, 1952, enjoying over 71 years of love and companionship until his passing in January. Together, they traveled extensively with family and friends and shared a passion for bowling and dancing. Their faith and community at the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Vincent, Ohio provided them with strength over many years.
Mary was a devoted mother to four sons, as well as a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. She cherished her role as an aunt to many nieces and nephews. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law: Steve and Debbie Kitts, Barry Kitts and Cynthia Thompson, Tracy Kitts and Tina Hall, and Terry Kitts and Dawn Landau. She also leaves behind her siblings: Phyllis Caplinger, Neil Brown (Dixie), Gloria Sue Brown, and sister-in-law Yasuko Brown. Bill always said that her sons would bring her daughters, and Mary adored her daughters-in-law as her own.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 9, at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home, 314 4th St., Marietta, OH. Family and friends are invited to visit from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Mary’s many friends and the exceptional staff at Lindley Inn in The Plains, Ohio. Flowers are welcome, or you may honor Mary’s memory by performing a good deed to support individuals with disabilities and their families.
Mary’s legacy of generosity and humor will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her. Messages of sympathy can be sent to the family at www.Lankfordfh.com.