Marcena Kite

Marcena (Small) Kite 81 of Kirksville passed away Friday, (January 3, 2025) at Northeast Regional Medical Center in Kirksville, Missouri.

Marcena was born October 22, 1943 in Edina, Missouri, the daughter of Doris (Parrish) Small and Tommy Kurl Small. She was united in marriage to Jacky Kite on June 16, 1961. To this union three children were born.

Surviving, daughter Kathi Lyons and John Sikorski of New Port Richey Florida, two sons, Kendall Kite and wife Terri of St. Charles, Missouri and Kody Kite and wife Cora of Columbia, Missouri. Five grandchildren, Cory Montgomery, Tierney President, Kelsey Kite, Jessica Kite and Jackson Kite. Four great grandchildren Jackson Montgomery, Jersey Sullivan, Kendrick President and Shylah President. Three sister-in-laws, Carol Small of Quincy, Illinois, Debra Schempp of Kirksville, Missouri and Dianna Spencer and husband Norman of Poolsville, Maryland. Goddaughter Allison Thompson, The Pines "family”. Several nieces and nephews. 

Marcena was preceded in death by her husband Jack (May 2012), brother Garry Small (April 2013), best friends since high school Karen Thompson (February 2013) and Donald Thompson (February 2014), parents Doris and Tommy Small, brother Bobby Gene and sister Carol Ann along with other family and friends.

Marcena was raised in Edina Missouri and graduated from Edina High School in 1961. She worked at McGraw Edison, Brashear Cafe, Osborn Meat Processing Plant, Shobe Meat Processing Plant, Kirksville Manor Care Center and Paradise Donuts until retiring in 2008.

Marcena was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church. She had a love for playing cards and played bridge with her "bridge girls" for over 40 years. She enjoyed going to a casino on occasion and cooking for EVERYONE ALL THE TIME along with spending time with family and friends. She truly did not know a stranger. She would walk up to a complete stranger in the store and strike up a conversation, it didn't matter that she had never met them or knew their name. She was a very caring and very generous lady.

A funeral service will be held on January 10, 2025, at 3:00 pm at the Playle-Rimer-Millard Funeral Chapel with Pastor Joshua Ritzheimer officiating. Musical selections will be "Amazing Grace", "Go Rest High" and "How Great Thou Art". Interment will be in the Park View Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Dustin Schempp, Jason Schempp, Roger Thompson, Greg Barnes, John Hanley and Kirk Houston. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm prior to the 3:00 pm service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers since according to mom, "Flowers are for the living", donations are requested to be made to the Faith United Methodist Church 1602 E. Illinois Kirksville, MO 63501.

Funeral arrangements in the care Playle-Rimer-Millard Family Funeral Chapel.