Laverne Anna Lela Hirschfeld Kittle, 85, formerly of Montezuma, passed away on the evening of Feb. 24, 2015, at Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Community, St. Marys.

She was born March 23, 1929, in Franklin Township, the daughter of the late Edwin and Esther (Schmidt) Hirschfeld. On June 12, 1948, she married Richard M. Kittle, who died May 23, 1998.

Surviving are seven children, Kathryn (Harry) Walker of France, Terry (Charlene) Kittle, Celina, Cynthia Fritz, Loda, Ill., Philip (Lynette) Kittle, Phoenix, Ariz., Keith (Kathy) Kittle, Athens, Jeffery (Sue) Kittle, Pensacola, Fla., and Amy (Dale) Norton, New Knoxville; 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and three brothers, Nathan Hirschfeld, New Bremen, Fred (Pam) Hirschfeld of Florida and Stanley (Dorothy) Hirschfeld, also of Florida.

Also deceased are two brothers, Robert and James Hirschfeld, and a grandson, Anthony Kittle.

Laverne grew up on a farm northeast of Chickasaw. She raised her family in Montezuma, where she served as postmaster for 27 years.

She attended Faith Alliance Church, New Bremen, where she had taught Jet Cadets in her younger years. She later served as president of the Women's Missionary Prayer Fellowship. She also volunteered at State of the Heart Hospice and was an avid bird watcher.

Funeral services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Faith Alliance Church, 6670 Knoxville Ave., New Bremen, Pastor Tom Sager officiating. Burial will follow at Burdge Cemetery near Montezuma.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina, and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be made to State of the Heart Hospice or Faith Alliance Missions.

Condolences may be expressed at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.