Devoted couple dies within 2 days of each other
NORTON SHORES, Mich. — A 60-year-old man caring for his cancer-stricken wife died suddenly last week, and his wife, whose health had been stable, died just 44 hours later.
Randy Kitson and Judith Kitson, 72, had been friends for a decade before marrying nearly 13 years ago, said Rose Collins of Twin Lake, Mich. Her dad died March 4, probably from a stroke, but doctors aren't certain.
"I think it was just his time," she said. "We are not even sure what happened because all of the heart scans looked good."
Between them, they had four children, 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The couple enjoyed traveling around the U.S. and Canada and spent hours together fishing, Collins said.
Couple married for 60 years dies 60 hours apart
About a year ago, Judith Kitson was diagnosed with cancer in her lungs and bones but was doing well until her husband's death, Collins said. On Sunday, she, too, died.
Their children, who gathered at the house after Randy Kitson's death, found dozens of love letters among their possessions.
"On the walls, in the drawers, they were just always assuring each other how much they loved each other," Collins said.
But they didn't have life insurance, and now the family faces about $10,000 in costs for their joint funeral Saturday. About $1,200 has been raised so far.
Follow Jon Mills on Twitter: @JonMills20
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