Ila Jean Kitts passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, June 6th 2022, in Winston-Salem, NC, at the age of 90 years.  She was born January 11th, 1932, in Bastian, Virginia to Asa and Mildred Rasnake.  Ila Jean Rasnake married Arnold Kitts on February 17th, 1951, and they raised their family in Bastian, VA.  Ila Jean moved to be close to family in her last year, where she lived at Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem in North Carolina.

Ila Jean earned her business degree at McClain's business college and pursued her career in textiles. She was skilled in finance and payroll and retired as Human Resources Director at Tultex in Bastian, VA. She was a dedicated member of the Bastian Union Church and women's ministry.  She organized election day dinners at the church, made millions of delicious chocolate Easter eggs for the greater community, helped with the church audit well into her 80's, and organized countless family dinners for families with loved ones who had passed, rightfully earning her title as "Head Hen" in the ladies' group at church. She was a member of the order of the Eastern Star Bland Chapter 41.

Ila Jean is survived by her daughter, Rhonda Ryan of Roanoke, VA; daughter, Shirley and Derrick Russell of King, NC; grandson, Josh and Jaclyn Hamilton of Raleigh, NC; granddaughter, Bethany and Alan Pritchett of Oak Ridge, NC; grandson, Patrick Ryan and Maria Liu of Cabin John, MD; and great-grandchildren, Anna Hamilton, Broden Hamilton, Ada Pritchett, and Holly Ryan.  Her sister Irene Bruce, as well as her parents, predeceased her.

Family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at Brighton Gardens of Winston-Salem for being her home away from home and providing wonderful care to her over the past year.   A special thank you to Legacy Healthcare Services for the highly skilled and compassionate therapy she received throughout her time in North Carolina, which was so much more than just therapy. Thanks to Piedmont Home Care and the caring individuals who stayed with Ila Jean to provide extra care to her this year.  And another special thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice for helping navigate her care at the end of life and keeping her comfortable.  There are too many special individuals to name, but the family will be forever grateful for all the professionals that helped Ila Jean in the last year of her life.

Funeral Services will be held at Bastian Union Church on Thursday, June 9th, 2022 at 12 noon with Pastor Barry Busby officiating, and the family will receive friends from 11AM to 12 noon at the church. Burial to follow at Kitts Family Cemetery in Bastian, VA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Bastian Union Church at 29 Bears Trail, Bastian, VA 24314.

Highland Funeral Home in Bland, VA will be in charge of arrangements.