Age 94, Harrisonburg, Va.
Jacqueline Ann Gochenour Kite, passed away at the Bridgewater Retirement Community in Bridgewater, Virginia, on Saturday, November 25, 2023.
Jackie was born on the Jacob and Sudie Gochenour farm along Mill Creek Crossroads near Leakesville, Page County, on July 31, 1929, the daughter of Karlton R. and Wilma Edmondson Gochenour. Jackie lived in Harrisonburg or Rockingham County for over 92 years of her 94-year life. Most of her early years were spent in the McGaheysville-Montevideo area, graduating from McGaheysville High School in the Class of 1946. She moved to Harrisonburg in 1962 and to Bridgewater in 2015, but was a member of McGaheysville Methodist Church since 1939.
Jackie married James Calvin Kite in March 1948 while both were on a “long break” between swing shifts at the Merck Stonewall plant. Besides her husband of 46 years, she was predeceased by her parents and her brother, James Benton Gochenour.
She is survived by two sons, Dr. James Steven Kite and his wife Susan of Morgantown, West Virginia, and John Karlton Kite and his wife Felice of Woodbridge, four grandchildren: Emily Kite of Madison, Wisconsin, James Ross Kite of Portland, Oregon, Kailey Kite of Arlington, and Alexa Kite of Arlington, and three great grandchildren. Jackie is also survived by two sisters living in Maryland, Karleen Gochenour of Sykesville and Martha (Marti) Putman of Hagerstown, and four nieces and nephews.
Jackie was an impeccable homemaker, who also worked as a bookkeeper and receptionist in several doctors’ offices and other local businesses. She was a member of the VFW Post #632 Ladies Auxiliary and the Eagles Aerie #4150 Ladies Auxiliary. A remarkable cook specializing in pies and cakes, Jackie loved dancing, travelling, and writing, but her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.
A memorial service will be led by the Reverend Deb Washer at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at McGaheysville United Methodist Church, followed by interment of ashes at nearby Mount Olivet Cemetery. Memorial arrangements will be provided by Kyger Funeral Home of Harrisonburg.
Jackie’s family is truly appreciative of the nurturing environment and kindhearted care provided by the Bridgewater Retirement Community in recent years.
In lieu of flowers, Jackie and her family requested donations be made to McGaheysville United Methodist Church, Bridgewater Retirement Center Foundation, Harrisonburg Rescue Squad, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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