Barbette Kitchen, 83, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Barbette was born in Traverse City, Michigan, to Robert and Flora Spinner on March 14, 1942.  She was a lifelong resident and went to school in Elk Rapids.  She married Roger Kitchen on January 25, 1964.  She Graduated from Western Michigan University with her Bachelor's degree. She taught school for 2 years in Bellaire, Michigan, and for 32 years in Elk Rapids, Michigan, where she mainly taught French.  She was an exceptional musician in school and through most of her living years and was very active in playing the saxophone for many years in the NMC Community Band.  She was also very active for many years in Sweet Adelines and Michigan Foreign Language Conferences.   She loved playing games, especially euchre, pinochle and cribbage.

Barbette is preceded in death by her Parents, Husband Roger Kitchen, Daughter Monica Kitchen and her brothers Richard Spinner, David Spinner and Robert Spinner.

Barbette is survived by her Son Robert Kitchen, Daughter Angela (Robert) LaCroix, Grandson Luke Crosby, Step Granddaughters Elizabeth (Justin) Anderson and Katherine (Justin) Cowell, nieces, nephews, foster children and great-grandchildren.

Barbette was a special lady and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held from 11:00 AM -3:00 PM, Saturday January 10, 2026, at the Historic Elk Rapids Township Hall, 401 River Street, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629.   We would love for you to come and celebrate with us and share stories of your fond memories of her.  There will be a short eulogy at 12:00 PM.

Visitation will be from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday January 9, 2026, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service-Covell-Traverse City Chapel, 511 S. Garfield Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan 49686.  There will be a graveside service in the spring.

Memorials may be given to Elk Rapids Lions Club, PO Box 583, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629-0583 or Elk Rapids High School Band, 308 Meguzee Point Road, Elk Rapids, Michigan 49629.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Traverse City Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com