Ruth Lenore Bitten passed away May 12, 2014 in Mesa Arizona following a lengthy illness. She was 99 years, 8 months and 15 days old at the time of her death. Ruth was born in Riverdale Michigan on August 27, 1914 to Zelpha and Earl Ryckman and was the fifth of seven children, who all have preceded her in death. She attended Howell Michigan High School and then married her husband, Lyel K Bitten in 1933. This union produced two children, Patricia L (Bitten) Baugher, spouse Gene, and Jerry A Bitten and spouse Bonnie all who live in Apache Junction, Arizona. During their marriage, she assisted in running a farm, and also a Farm Implement Dealership. They moved to Arizona in 1977 when they retired. She enjoyed traveling, gambling, sewing, needlepoint and making crafts after retirement. They enjoyed 63 years together until Lyel’s death in 1996. She was Grandmother to 14, Great Grandmother to 20 and to complete a five generation celebration, great great Grandmother to 13. She will never be forgotten by her many friends and relatives A Memorial Service will be held at Desert Chapel United Methodist Church, 462 N. Palo Verde, Apache Junction, Arizona on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her church. Her ashes will be taken to Fairview Cemetery in Brighton Michigan to join her husband in June.
This lovely lady who graced this earthly realm for nearly a century, and our lives, as long as each was blessed to know her and be included into her loving circle, her embraces and giving heart, now celebrate a life well lived, a “graduation” to the next step in her journey, forever in our hearts. May all who loved her find peace in knowing our God welcomes her home, along with those who loved her and preceded her in the journey. We LOVE You, Auntie Ruthie.