Kenneth L. Kitto, 94, Crow Creek Valley pioneer, passed away peacefully April 22 in a Bismarck, North Dakota hospital.
Ken was born October 24,1922, the youngest of six children born to William and Anna (Greaves) Kitto. Ken spent his whole life as a rancher and cattleman in the Crow Creek valley.
In 1946, Ken married Lorraine Heeb of Bozeman. Five sons were born to this union. Lorraine passed away in 2000. In 2002, Ken married Ruth Swanson. Ken and Ruth made their home in Apache Junction, Arizona. Ruth passed away in 2014. Ken moved to McClusky, North Dakota in 2015 to live with his son, Jerry, when his health began to fail him. He lived there until the time of his death.
Ken was the consummate cattleman. He was the first rancher in his area to begin crossbreeding cattle, realizing the significant benefits of hybrid vigor. He used various breeds of cattle to try to get the best advantage he could out of his cow herd. He was always excited to see how his calves would weigh up as they headed for the feedlot. Ken retired from ranching in 1997.
Ken’s greatest love was for God. He began serving the Lord when he was 11 years old and he served Him his whole life.
Ken is survived by his five sons; Jerry (Kathleen) of McClusky, ND, his children, Justin, Mindy (Dave) Jeff (Brenda); Rick (Elaine), his children, Marni (Jory), Craig (Lana), Alisha (Philip) of Townsend; Bill (Charlene of Great Falls) of Toquerville, Utah, his children, Kori, Brandon, Jodi (Tony); Don of Salt Lake City, Utah, his children, Matthew (Danielle), Robyn (Reginald) and Brad of Boise, Idaho, his children, Taylor (Kimbria) and Braeden. Ken is also survived by 3 step children: Judy (Jack) Burnam of Phoenix, AZ : Clayton Swanson of Phoenix, AZ; and Kathy Carioscia of Aurora, IL., 6 step-grandchildren, multiple step great grandchildren, and 7 step great, great grandchildren, all of Arizona and Washington. He is also survived by 26 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Ken is also survived by his sister-in-law Marion Kitto, brother-in-law Rich Weiland (Verlaine), and sister-in-law, Betty Droel, numerous nieces and nephews, a host of friends and his very special dear friend, Joe Caputo.
A viewing will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017 at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Townsend. A Funeral Service is set for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2017 at the Broadwater High School Gymnasium, 201 N Spruce St, Townsend. Burial will be held at Deep Creek Cemetery following the funeral. A reception will be held at the 4H Building at the Townsend Fairgrounds after the burial. Memorials can be made to the recipient of one’s choice. Please visit www.stevensonwilke.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Ken.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 29, 2017
Broadwater High School Gymnasium
201 N. Spruce St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
After the funeral
Saturday April 29, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the burial
Saturday April 29, 2017
4H Building
Townsend Fairgrounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday April 28, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway
Townsend, Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 29, 2017
Broadwater High School Gymnasium
201 N. Spruce St.
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
After the funeral
Saturday April 29, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
After the burial
Saturday April 29, 2017
4H Building
Townsend Fairgrounds
Townsend, Montana 59644
Share
Betty (Weiland) Droel says
Our dear Kenny, – nearly lifelong friend. So loved by my sister Ruth’s family one and all.
Now he is at Peace, and we value the heritage of his flawless memory in our hearts.
Pam Clark says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I spent lots of time at the Kitty house taking organ and piano lessons from Lorraine. Grandma Clark babysat Brad. Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with you. God bless your family
Lori Harris says
In addition to all mentioned above, Ken was also survived by 3 step-children; 6 grandchildren; multiple great grandchildren(too many to count) and 7 great, great grandchildren (all from Arizona and Washington) who loved and cherished him and will miss him terribly. Rest in the peace in the arms of our Lord. We will miss you!
Cathy Stewart says
Kenny had one of the kindest heart I knew. You will be missed by many, but now with loved ones who have been waiting for you. My thoughts are with the family & friends left behind, until we meet again. ‘Ride on Cowboy’… You don’t ride alone. Rest easy Kenny. God’s Speed. ~ Cathy Stewart (Marion Kitto’s niece, Issaquah Wa).
Judy Burnam says
Your oldest stepdaughter will miss your kindness and sweet smile.
Terry Gildersleeve says
Absolutely one of the nicest, kindest people I have ever known. You will be missed here but know that you are in a much better place.
Linda Brist says
Perhaps I could add a few words of thankfulness for having known Ken and Lorraine when they were in the prime of their lives and I was in that area with June Douglass in 1976. Not only were they pillars in the community but pillars in the spiritual family also. We are thankful for those who stand tall in all areas of their life. With care and comfort to the family.
Mary Ellen Schnur says
Ken was one of my favorite “grownups” while we were growing up. Such good humor, and such patience. As an adult, he was a joy to visit with. He set a good example as a husband, father, and neighbor. He was a blessing to know.
Margaret Dykstra Eldrich says
Remembering the good times with gratitude and sending heartfelt sympathy to the family in their loss. Kenny was a light to all who knew him.
Liza & Larry Hinderager says
It was a privilege to know Kenny and his family for well over 60 years. His warm, kind smile was still there when we saw him at Mandan last fall. Thankful for his faithful example all through the years and know that will be a comfort to the family.
Renee Lewis says
So many precious childhood memories I have of this dear sweet man and Lorraine. What a gentle soul
he was and pillar in the Kingdom. Thankful that the Eicher/Kitto families crossed paths and we had
the privilege of knowing Kenny. Will be thinking of everyone tomorrow wishing I could be there.
Herb & Karen Brist says
Kenny, we have been friends from 1951. We stacked hay together. We always had great times the way. Kenny and Ruth met us at the airport in Mesa AZ, the plain was six late. Our phone we could say hello and then it cut out. They stayed there and took us for the night ( what was left of it ).
Terri Mosher says
I always remember the love and support he showed to all of Mrs. Kitto’s piano students. Whether it was a Christmas festival in the Bozeman mall, competition or recital, he was always there with a smile and kind words. I was fortunate to have the 12 years with the Kittos in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bonnie Siked says
Kenny was such a gentle, kind, godly man. I’m grateful for that memory of him imprinted on my heart! He cared genuinely about people. That was probably because he cared deeply about pleasing God, who Himself cares so deeply! I’m thankful that the Kitto’s were a part of my life.
alex kitto says
Kind thoughts from Australia.
(Harley and Loreen Kitto’s son