Shirley Ann (Gould) Hite

Shirley Ann (Gould) Hite Born September 18, 1942 • Passed away February 18, 2026 Shirley Ann Hite, beloved mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. Born in Kentucky in 1942, she later moved with her family to Patriot, Indiana, the place that shaped her childhood and ultimately became the heart of her life. Shirley was the devoted mother of three children ,daughters Gina Fette and husband Greg, Connie Hite, and her son Joey Hite and wife Gwen. She was the proud grandmother of Amanda Hoffman and husband Holt, Amy McDonald and husband Wes, Ashley Rose and husband Brandon, Travis Scudder and wife Andrea, Kristyn Yelton and husband Skyler, Trenton Scudder, and Joseph Hite and wife Whitney. Her joy only grew with the arrival of her great‑grandchildren: Trevor, Jolienne, Ella, Waylon, Wyatt, William, Brooks, Sophia, Braxton, Michael, Henry and George. She was the daughter of William and Florence Gould, and is survived by her siblings Joe Gould and Debbie Snyder. She was preceded in death by her brother, William “Buck” Gould. Shirley’s childhood in Patriot was filled with simple joys she cherished all her life—visiting a local neighbor who kept goldfish in her bathtub, stopping by the general store for an ice‑cold Coca‑Cola, and walking the familiar streets of the town she loved. She attended Patriot High School, where she was honored as the school’s 1959 Farmers Fair Queen candidate. Her beauty was admired by many, but it was her warmth and kindness that made her unforgettable. It was during those high‑school years that she met the love of her life, David Hite. He won her heart with his handsome smile, his humor, and his habit of sneaking out of class to bring her a candy bar. They married on August 24, 1960, beginning a partnership rooted in devotion and laughter. Their early years took them to Panama City, where they lived on the naval base, but family soon drew them back to the Midwest. After a brief time in Covington, Kentucky, they returned home to Patriot, settling on the beautiful family farm that remains cherished by all who knew it. Shirley’s love of flowers could be seen in every corner of the property. Gardening was one of her greatest joys, and after tending to her blooms she loved to sit on the back deck, listening to the birds and taking in the peaceful, enchanting scenery that surrounded her. Her home was the heart of countless family traditions, especially Christmas Eve—her favorite night of the year. She was gentle, respectful, generous, and true. Her love for her children, grandchildren, and great‑grandchildren was evident in every visit, every holiday, and every moment she shared with them. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is reunited with her great love, David, and that together they watch over the family they built with such devotion. Shirley’s legacy is one of beauty, kindness, and deep, enduring love. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always.

Private family graveside services were held at Eastview Cemetery in Patriot, IN. Memorial donations in Shirley's honor may be made to Eastview Cemetery. Markland Funeral Home of Rising Sun, IN serving the family.

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