Wanda Jean Bitzer

Wanda Jean Ensor Sutherlin Bitzer ended her struggle with dementia and went to her Heavenly Home on Dec. 4, 2023.

Wanda was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend who enjoyed life and made sure those around her were loved, well-fed and entertained. She was at her best taking care of people in whatever way they needed. She enjoyed her family, cooking, traveling, playing cards, knitting, camping, skiing and socializing.

She was born on July 10, 1935, to Elliott and Martha Marie (Harbison) Ensor and lived in Clinton Falls with her parents and siblings Barbara (Joe) Hess, Carolyn Bullerdick, Jerry (Sandy) Ensor, Larry (Sharon) Ensor and Nancy (Phil) Butt.

She graduated from Bainbridge High School.

She married Noble Sutherlin on April 3, 1953, and they were married  37 years until Noble’s death. They had five daughters, Debra Hassler, Marcia (Rich) McHie, Diane (Pat) Drawbaugh, Janet (Art) Dwigans and Pamela Sutherlin. Wanda was a great role model for her daughters.

After Noble’s death, she married Wendell Bitzer on Nov. 28, 1992, and they were married 17 years until Wendell passed. She was blessed with three stepchildren, Lisa (Keith) Mondale, Lorrie (Dave) Zandi and Kevin (Teresa) Bitzer, and step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was blessed with nine grandchildren, Wendy Stevenson, Bryan Hassler, Ryan McHie, Sarah McHie, Eric Drawbaugh, Dylan Drawbaugh, Annalise Small, Jasmine Dean and Jacob Dwigans, in addition to several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Wanda was a member of Fillmore United Methodist Church for more than 60 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Noble and Wendell; daughters Debbie and Pam; brother Larry; and grandson Ryan.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home. A private inurnment will follow at the Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.