OLMITZ — Joyce Ann Bitter, 70, died May 23 at her home in Olmitz. Born Aug. 17, 1940 in Barton County, she was the daughter of Frank and Isabel (Gerritzen) Riedel. On July 16, 1960 she married Willard D. Bitter in Olmitz. He died Sept. 3, 1985. A lifetime resident of Olmitz, she was a retired housekeeper for Clara Barton Hospital.

Mrs. Bitter was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church and the Altar Society, in Olmitz.

Survivors include three sons, Todd Bitter and wife Leslie of Troy, Mo., Craig Bitter of Midland, Texas and David Bitter and wife Mary of Olmitz; a daughter, Pam Elsen and husband Mark of Albert; two sisters, Carolyn Heinz of Shawnee and Rose Menefee of Keller, Texas; 13 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Bitter; and three brothers, Bobby Riedel, Leonard Riedel, and Charles Riedel.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at St. Ann Catholic Church in Olmitz with Father Ultan Murphy officiating. Burial will be at the St. Ann Cemetery in Olmitz. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home and from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church with wake service at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Sunflower Diversified Services in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home*

P.O. Box 146