Blanche “Smitty” Evelyn (Smith) Kitson

Blanche “Smitty” Evelyn (Smith) Kitson, 94, The Villages, FL (formerly of Bendertown, PA) passed peacefully at home on Saturday, August 8, 2020. She was born to the late Frederick Cleveland Smith and the late Hulda (McAfee) Smith Knouse on November 24, 1925 in Newport Centre - Luzerne County, PA.

Blanche lived in Slocum Township and graduated from Newport Township High School, Class of 1943. After graduation from high school she moved to Newark, NJ. She was employed by National Union Radio Corporation, Newark, NJ 1943-45 and was secretary to the Plant Manager. It wasn’t long before she met and fell in love with the love of her life. Blanche married John in 1945 in Newark, NJ and lived there for a short time before moving to Metuchen, NJ and then settling in Hazlet, NJ in 1959 to raise their family.

She was employed by the Hazlet Township Board of Education as a school secretary and retired after 26 years. Blanche and John then moved to Bendertown, PA where they attended the St. James and Jonestown churches. She served on the Women’s Guild and Choir. She enjoyed participating in many church functions. She was a Minority Inspector on the Fishing Creek Board of Elections in 1997. Blanche and John started an exercise group where friends would come to their home to exercise together. They moved to The Villages in 2017.

While living in The Villages, FL for the last three years her new neighbors became fast friends and she felt they were part of her family. She had many long-time friends who she kept in contact with throughout the years. If you were her friend it was for life. She loved with her whole heart and always put others before herself. She was a friend to everyone she met, and had a way of making all feel special and loved.

Blanche was predeceased by her husband John M. Kitson, Sr., son Richard F. Kitson and daughter-in-law Melody A. Kitson. She is survived by son John M. Kitson, Jr. and daughter-in-law Deveda of Parkersburg, WV; daughter Becky E. Webb and son-in-law David of Brick, NJ; and daughter Jeanne E. Macciocca and son-in-law Donald, Sr. with whom she lived in The Villages, FL. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Ann Kitson, cousin David Harter and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Blanche was blessed with 11 grandchildren (Scott, Todd, Kelly, Stacy, John H., Don Jr., Dawn, John III, Raymond), 20 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren.

It was her mission in life during her later years to share her love of Jesus with others. She wanted all she met to know it’s not too late to have a relationship with Jesus.

She tried her hardest to tell jokes and would occasionally make up her own. She had to sometimes tell those listening it was a joke. She enjoyed friends, family, bowling, crocheting, and working in the yard. She loved working on crossword puzzles in the newspaper and was nearly an expert on cryptogram quotes. She was quite proud that she could quickly figure out the quotes.

Her heart was faithful and true and could outshine the brightest star.

Private Viewing and Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 14th, 2020 at the Jonestown United Methodist Church, with Pastors Caleb Fritz and Darwin Goshorn, officiating.  Burial will be in St. James Cemetery, Fishing Creek Township.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Salvation Army or St. Jude's Research Hospital.

Arrangements are under the direction of the McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton.  For online condolences or for additional information, please visit:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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