Rhoda Kay Kitchen, 85, of Madison, Alabama, passed away from breast cancer on June 9, 2026, in the comfort of her home.
A visitation with family and friends will be held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Avenue SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35805, on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Rhoda was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to Natale Nastase and Kathryn Johns Nastase on November 3, 1940. She graduated from Beaverdale-Wilmore High School in Beaverdale, Pennsylvania, in 1958.
After graduating from high school, Rhoda built a respected career as an executive assistant, supporting senior leaders at organizations including NASA, a telecommunications company, and a law firm. She concluded her professional journey with the Huntsville Hospital System in Huntsville, Alabama, retiring in 2000.
Outside of work, she found joy in sewing, crocheting, needlework, and traveling with her husband, Roger W. Kitchen Sr. Rhoda created numerous blankets, pillowcases, clothing, and decorative needlepoint pieces that are cherished by family and friends. She was kind, generous, a great listener, and deeply compassionate—a selfless woman who always put her family first.
Rhoda is survived by her daughter, Nikki Kitchen-Wenrich; son, Roger Kitchen Jr.; daughter-in-law, Sandi Kitchen; brother, Gary Nastase; granddaughter, Laura Wenrich; grandsons, Roger Kitchen III and Michael Kitchen; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger W. Kitchen Sr.; her father, Natale; and her mother, Kathryn.
Memorial donations may be made in lieu of flowers to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. Donations may be submitted at: https://www.stjo.org/help-native-americans/
