Kathleen Ann Kunkel Hite passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, in Big Spring, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on October 25, 1935, in Vernon,Texas to Esther Teinert Kunkel and Edward Bernard Kunkel. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Ray Hite, and her son-in-law, Randy Morrow.

Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Robin Morrow and fiancé David Thomas of Georgetown, and Heidi Twining of Georgetown; her grandchildren, Caleb Wagner, Conner Wagner, Megan Morrow, and Meredith Morrow Albers and husband Joseph; and two great-granddaughters and three great-grandsons.

Kathleen spent much of her life in Vernon, Texas. She worked in nursing and later as a civilian at Sheppard Air Force Base, operating early mainframe computer systems in the 1970s. Her role there included a security clearance through the Pentagon. She finished her career researching guar and thrips at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Station, where she once spoke on the phone with President Carter about her work. In retirement, she managed her rental properties and stayed active in her community. She was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and a longtime volunteer at the Red River Valley Museum. After moving to Georgetown to be near family, she continued volunteering by organizing book donations with the "Merry Christmas With Love" program at First Baptist Church and participated in several international mission trips. For the past ten years, Kathleen lived at Park Place Living Center in Big Spring, where she formed close friendships and was cared for by a devoted staff.

Kathleen's family was the center of her world, and she nurtured each generation with grace, encouragement, and a steadfast love that shaped their lives. She and her husband Don, lovingly known as PaPa, shared a spirit of adventure and spent many seasons camping across the country in their beloved hard-sided camper. Together, they visited nearly all 50 states, only narrowly missing Maine and Hawaii.

Kathleen had a sharp mind and a curious spirit, and she never lost her love of learning. She was exceptionally skilled at crossword puzzles, solving them daily as a way to keep her mind alert. She was also a talented card player and a devoted domino partner who played to win. While she never let the grandkids win easily, she also never gloated and always played with warmth and good humor.

In accordance with her wishes, Kathleen's ashes will be scattered in a wildflower meadow near Estes Park, Colorado, a place of beauty and meaning to her. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Vernon, Texas or Alive in Christ Lutheran Church in Big Spring, Texas. They also encourage you to take a moment to call someone you love, something Kathleen never took for granted.

Lastly, the family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Park Place Living Center, the nurses and doctors at Scenic Mountain Medical Center, and the pastor at Alive in Christ Lutheran Church in Big Spring.