Tella Denehue Kitchen
1902-1988
Adelphi, Ross County
Born in Vinton County, Tella Denehue grew up in Indiana. She married Noland Kitchen in 1920 and the couple settled in Adelphi, where they farmed, sold used cars, and operated a gas station. They had four children. When Noland died in 1963, he was mayor of the town, so Tella stepped in and served in his place. Tella's son, Denny, gave her a paint set. She began painting at age 67, drawing on her memories of life in rural and small-town Ohio and Indiana.
1902-1988
Adelphi, Ross County
Born in Vinton County, Tella Denehue grew up in Indiana. She married Noland Kitchen in 1920 and the couple settled in Adelphi, where they farmed, sold used cars, and operated a gas station. They had four children. When Noland died in 1963, he was mayor of the town, so Tella stepped in and served in his place. Tella's son, Denny, gave her a paint set. She began painting at age 67, drawing on her memories of life in rural and small-town Ohio and Indiana.