Rozelle Kite Hott

Rozelle Kite Hott passed into eternal life on August 28, 2026, one year and 9 days shy of her 100th birthday. She was a resident at Hawksbill Assisted Living in Luray for almost 5 years. Prior to that, she lived on her ancestorial farm located in Grove Hill, Virginia.

Born on September 6, 1927, she was the third and youngest child to the late Altha Pearl and Perry Decatur Kite.

On June 15, 1951, she married Herman Hoye Hott, Jr. They were married nearly 54 years before Herman passed on March 14, 2005.

She is survived by her children, H. Hoye Hott III (Gayle) of Gordonsville and Vonna Lou Hott (Jeff Cave) of Shenandoah; grandchildren Dana Hott Graves (Channing) and Ryan Hott (Monica) and great grandchildren, Logan Crickenberger, Thomas and Connor Graves, Leah and Caleb Hott. Also surviving are her nieces, Pauletta Lockridge, Nancy Racer, Carolyn “Kitti” Kyger, Patricia Simons and nephew, Bertram W. Kite, Jr., sister-in-law, Norma Johnson of Charles Town, WVA and twelve great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Lynwood Lee, who died in infancy and Bertram W. Kite, Sr. who passed on October 13, 2005. Her oldest niece, Sharon Louderback, who was like a “kid sister,” passed on October 3, 2022.

She was descended from Adam Miller, recognized as the first European settler to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Her roots were deeply planted in the Grove Hill Community as she was the seventh generation of her family to worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church and the oldest member of the church. She was baptized on September 25, 1927, and confirmed on May 17, 1940. She was an active member and in her younger years, teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and The Children of the Church (Saturday afternoon program). She organized the flower calendar for 47 years until she turned 90. She served on the Christian Education Committee, Communion Set-up/Clean-up and Secretary to the Sunday School for almost 40 years and was a quiet servant of Christ going about and doing her work in the church. Rozelle was cherished by her family and leaves them wonderful memories of a life well lived.

She was a graduate of Shenandoah High School Class of 1948. Upon graduation, she was employed at the Shenandoah Knitting Mill and continued working until her son Hoye was born. Herman was an educator and with some failing eye problems she became his assistant, typing tests, grading papers and keeping his register. They were a team and there was always lots of love and laughter in their home.

Rozelle was known throughout her family and church community for sending cards. One niece said, “my birthday card always arrived on the actual day of my birthday. I don’t know how she did it, but she made me feel very special.” Rozelle was happiest outdoors where she could tend her vegetable garden and watch the fields grow. In retirement years, the Hotts enjoyed some travel and more time with family and friends. Their good friends Phyllis and the late Kenneth Graff were often part of their day.

The family is grateful to Hawksbill Assisted Living and Gentiva (Hospice) for the wonderful care of their beloved mother.

The Reverend Tarja Stevenson will conduct a service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, at 11am on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, with burial in the church cemetery. The casket will be closed.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church (Rozelle Hott Flower Fund), 6433 US Highway 340, Shenandoah, VA 22849.