Carmen Elaine Kite

Carmen Kite, age 69, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on October 10, 1956, in Great Bend to William E. and Wilma E. Lloyd, she grew up with a strong faith in God and a deep desire to help others, qualities that defined her throughout her life.

Known to everyone as a truly kind and compassionate person, Carmen never judged and was always willing to listen. Her ability to care for others, offer gentle advice, and simply be present made her a blessing to countless people. She touched many lives through her kindness, her faith, and her genuine love.

A devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, Carmen is survived by her loving husband, Doug Kite; her son, James Kite; and her daughter, Erica Kunzeman and husband Shane Kunzeman. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren and was joyfully awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sister, Cindy Rainbolt, and husband Craig, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

In her younger years Carmen was an outstanding softball player, known for her determination; she once made a college boys’ baseball team when no softball team existed and is a member of the Oklahoma Softball Hall of Fame. She dedicated much of her life to teaching and mentoring others, encouraging them to believe in themselves. She loved gardening, creating ceramics on her pottery wheel, the peaceful sound of wind chimes, and caring for animals. Carmen also possessed a wonderful sense of humor, loved to dance, and brought laughter and warmth wherever she went. She worked at Meadowlake Golf Course before becoming a foster care specialist with DHS, later transferring to Norce as a staff trainer. She retired from the state of Oklahoma and continued her passion for serving children as a substitute teacher.

Carmen’s kindness, faith, strength, and love will live on in the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family finds comfort in knowing her spirit lives on in their hearts and in the countless memories she created with those she loved.