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 Fort Wayne, Indiana. Lucille was united in marriage to the love of her life, Richard Kitchen, on July 12, 1952, in Fort Wayne.

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 until he graduated. They then moved to California, 'till Richard took a job in St. Louis, Missouri. They moved to Wentzville, Missouri 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, Missouri. She finished her career at the O'Fallon Missouri, K-mart. She retired and moved to Lake of the Ozarks to fish. They then moved to Springfield, Missouri.

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 11:00 am on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46815, with a gathering one-hour prior. Burial and committal to follow at Bowers Cemetery located in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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

Arrangements entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.