Julie Madeline Kitts, 69, of Salem, Va., passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. She was born on June 9, 1956, to the late Garnet Lee Pugh and Eunice Frances Flowers Pugh. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Richard Michael Pugh.

Julie is survived by her devoted husband of almost 55 years, Foster M. “Rusty” Kitts, Jr.; niece, Cynthia Sledd (Kenny); great-niece, Klaudia Sledd; sister-in-law, Barbara Scott (Rick); nieces, Tammy Jones, Missy Smith, Cissy Ratliff, Shannon Ratliff; nephews, Stephen Scott and Michael Forrester; numerous great nieces, nephews, and cousins; special friend, Cindi Kane.

A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem with Pastor Michael Lauridsen officiating. The interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.

Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the funeral home.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Rick Scott for getting Rusty to Julie in time, Barbara Scott for all of the food, and to all the friends and neighbors that have checked in on Rusty.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.