Lifetime Shelby resident, Jeanne (Waite) Kitzmiller, age 81, passed away at Ohio Health Mansfield Hospital on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, joining her beloved husband of 58 years, Kenneth Kitzmiller, who passed away on February 12, 2025; son, Aaron Kitzmiller, who passed away on October 16, 2018; and daughter-in-law, Julie-Ann, who passed away in 2019, in heaven. Her passing follows a recent battle with pneumonia and bout of hypothermia from an accidental fall at home on February 17th.
Jeanne was born June 8, 1943, in Shelby, OH to the late Verne and Mildred (Bauer) Waite. A 1961 graduate of Shelby High School, she furthered her education graduating from the Columbus Beauty Academy becoming a licensed hairdresser. Working alongside her parents at the local Dairy Queen was also a priority, until one afternoon when she ran an errand across the street to Dean’s Market and she met eyes with a cute boy behind the meat counter – sparks flew instantly. They were married soon after on March 26th, 1966. Later in life she became a stay-at-home mom to her two sons, Kevin and Aaron. Supporting her children with their sports and other activities was a full-time job, which gave her much pride and joy. After their graduation, she went to work at the first National Bank until its closing. After retiring Jeanne and Ken chose to travel together. Their favorite vacation destination was Reno, NV, where they visited with friends and enjoyed attending the Great Hot Air Balloon Race. A favorite traveling memory of Jeanne’s was when her and Ken traveled to Australia with friends.
Left to cherish her memories include her son, Kevin Lee (Trudi Jones) Kitzmiller of Shelby; her step-grandchildren, Justin (Marlis Belkosky) Jones of Canada and Brandon Martinez of Galion, and her very best friend for over 75 years, Linda Bauer of Mansfield.
Friends and family may come to honor Jeanne’s life Thursday, March 6, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD 21741.
The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Kitzmiller Family.