Barbara Jean Bitzer

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Barbara Jean (Reed) Bitzer, 79, Evansville, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at her residence.

She was born Aug. 4, 1931 in Greencastle to Orville and Edith (Wilson) Reed.

She was a 1949 graduate of Greencastle High School. Barbara was a longtime and active member of Trinity United Church of Christ. She had worked for more than 12 years as a preschool teacher at the Trinity Weekday Center. She enjoyed her Monday night bridge club, reading and working with the church.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Morris Bitzer; daughter Beth Bitzer of Evansville; sons Dr. Morris "Rusty" Bitzer Jr. (Joni) of Evansville and Mark Bitzer (Beverly) of Fountain Valley, Calif.; grandchildren Andrew Bitzer (Megan), Nicole Jackson (Brandon), Connor Bitzer, Cory Bitzer and Jake Bitzer; great-grandchildren Ayden Bitzer, Maverick Bitzer, Kyle Jackson, Heidi Jackson and Ty Jackson; sisters Patricia Jones of Greencastle and Alice Beck (Gene) of Bainbridge; and sister-in-law Marguerite Reed of Greencastle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Paul Bitzer; sisters Marjorie Leer, Laurel Jenkins and Mary Cox; and brother George Reed.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Vista Care Hospice and Home Instead, especially April Beasley.

Funeral services were Thursday at Trinity United Church of Christ in Mt. Vernon with the Rev. Cynthia Priem officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. today at Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Trinity UCC.

Condolences may be made online at www.schneiderfuneralhome.com.