Ina Marie (Shafer) Kite, 92, of Springfield, MO, passed away peacefully in her home on December 19, 2018. Ina was born around Stratton, Colorado, on July 29, 1926, to Chester Shafer and Mary (Hines) Shafer.

Ina grew up in the Prescott/Fulton, KS, area with her eight siblings, attending and graduating from Prescott High School in 1943. On March 23, 1944, Ina married Vernon Kite, making their home in Prescott while Vernon served his country in the Army during WWII and the Korean War. In 1952 the couple moved to Springfield, MO, where they raised their four children. In 1970 the couple moved to Rogersville area and later to Strafford. For a number of years Ina worked in the admissions office at Burge/Cox Hospital. As a couple they also spent many hours as hospital volunteers. After Vernon retired they became snowbirds, traveling to Texas to spend the winters. During many summers they enjoyed being camp hosts at Bennett Springs State Park. Ina was a homemaker who was very proud of her home, wherever it was, always making it a welcoming place for family and friends. The two of them were members of the Strafford Church of Christ before moving back to the Springfield area in their later years.

Preceding Ina in death were her parents; brothers, Allen, Keith, Clarence and Robert Shafer; sisters, Jane Wood Cummins and Alice Harkness; and a son-in-law, Chuck Maudlin.

Survivors include her loving husband and companion of 74 years; sisters, Betty Messer from Fulton, KS, and Vera McCormick from Louisburg, KS; children, Nancy Maudlin from Tallahassee, FL, Vicki Hines from Springfield, MO, Chester Kite (Ruth Ann) from Rogersville, MO, and Suzanne Kite (David White) from Summerville, SC; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Family graveside services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018 at Springfield Missouri Veterans Cemetery with a visitation on Thursday evening, December 27, 2018 from 6-8pm at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte (4500 S. Lone Pine Springfield, MO).

The family would like to thank the personnel at Phoenix Hospice who provided their services when Ina's health was declining and Compassus Hospice for their care during Ina's final days. Also, a sincere thanks to Ina's caregivers, her caring husband, Vernon, and daughter, Vicki, who made it possible for Ina to stay in her home up 'til her passing.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Meals on Wheels.

Online condolences may be made at www.klingnerfuneralhome.com