Ruthie Charlene Atwood Kite

Ruthie Charlene Atwood Kite, 89, passed away Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in Graham.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 3 p.m. in Morrison Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in Pioneer Cemetery.

Charlene was born January 23, 1934 in Haskell to the late Ludy Glennon “Jinks” and Nannie Bell (Stoker) Brockman.  She married Bill Atwood and he preceded her in death December 5, 1976. Charlene married Odell Kite July 27, 1984 in Graham and he preceded her in death August 2, 2019.

The family moved to Murray in 1960 with her husband Bill Atwood. Charlene began to build a strong family based on traditional values. She was a partner in the farming and ranching. After his death she continued to farm and ranch with the help of her children, Kristi, and Robert. Farming and ranching continued to be a part of her life after she married Odell Kite.

She was an active leader in the 4-H Club seeing that Kristi and Robert achieved Gold Star Awards.   FFA and 4-H were also important where the family participated in the Young County Livestock Shows. The family was always first and she worked hard to see they were well taken care of. She traveled many miles watching grandchildren show cattle, sheep, and pigs. She also enjoyed following their football and soccer teams.

Family was important and Christmas and Thanksgiving were a time for everyone to get together and share activities together. Christmas meant everyone had a special present. Charlene loved to give to others on birthdays and Christmas. Special gatherings included summer camp out on the Clear Fork of the Brazos with Papaw cooking breakfast on an open fire or a Christmas morning breakfast.

At the Murray Methodist Church she nurtured many children’s faith through Sunday School leaving a lasting impact for future generations. Murray Methodist Church was an important part of her life serving in many different areas.  Charlene was an avid gardener.  She loved her wide variety of roses, Gardenias, and orchids. She and her twin sister, Earlene, shared this love of plants by sharing many cuttings. 

Her passion in life was helping and giving to others.

Survivors include; daughter, Kristi Copeland and husband, Tommy of Ennis; son, Robert Atwood and wife, Jill of Abilene; sister, Earlene Bellah of Graham; brother, Thomas Brockman and wife, Jean of Woodson; grandchildren, Will Atwood, Ross Atwood, Abby Blakely, Brandon Copeland, and Chris Copeland; and seven great grandchildren Delancey Copeland, Rozen Copeland, Hudson Atwood, Knox Atwood, Krew Atwood, Maddie Claire Blakely and Brooks Blakely; stepsons, Toby Kite and wife, Bobbie, Phillip Kite and Steven Kite; stepdaughters, Keli Petty and Laura Schott; many step grandchildren; and sisters in law, Betty Roberts and Fay Heck.

Visitation will be held Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Murray Methodist Church.