Mary Eliza Kite

Mary Eliza Willmore Kite, 95 of Rigby, died Thursday, October 02, 2014 at Great Oaks Assisted Living in Rigby.   Mary was born December 19, 1918 in Hibbard, Idaho to Herbert James Willmore and Mary Drucilla Parker Willmore. She was raised in Rexburg, and spent summers on the family’s dry farm in Clementsville. She graduated from Madison High School in 1937 and continued her education at Excelsis Beauty College in Idaho Falls. Mary met Gilbert John Kite at a dance in Rigby during her senior year; they were married June 18, 1938 in the Rigby Courthouse. Their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on October 7, 2005.   Mary worked as a waitress at Blanche’s Café in Rigby, and became an excellent cook. She also worked at Roger Brother’s in Rexburg. She is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a visiting teacher. As a young mother of 5 children she and her family enjoyed camping and salmon fishing on the Lemhi River.   She is survived by her daughter, Marilyn (Ron) Myler, of Rigby, sons, Gilbert R.L. (Kathy) Kite, of Buffalo, New York, Garry Kite, of Shelley, daughter-in-law, Linda Kite of Rigby, 20 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.   She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, Reva Mickelsen, Esther Nelson, brothers, Don Willmore, Les Willmore, Roy Willmore, grandson, Cory Kite and twin great-great-granddaughters, Natalia and Gracey.   The family extends their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jacob, Lila and the staff at Great Oaks for the kind and loving care they gave to Mary.   Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel, 101 W. Main Street, Rigby. The family will receive friends from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.