HOISINGTON — Virginia M. Bitter, 78, died March 17 at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina. Born July 20, 1932, at Russell, she was the daughter of Edward and Alvena (Dick) Luerman.

She married Eugene "Gene" Bitter on Nov. 18, 1951, at Susank. She was a long-time Barton County resident coming from Russell County. She was a homemaker.

Mrs. Bitter was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA, a seamstress, was baptized Sept. 4, 1932, was confirmed June 15, 1947, and graduated from Dorrance High School in 1950.

Survivors include her husband, of the home; two brothers-in-law, Harry Bitter and wife Irene of Hoisington, and Richard Kilian, of Russell; one sister-in-law, Ruth Howard of WaKeeney; and 11 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Erma Kilian, and her dog, Tina.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hoisington with the Rev. Steven Little officiating. Burial will be at Hoisington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Sunday with the family receiving friends from 6-7 p.m. and with a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, Hoisington; and Monday from 9:30 a.m. to service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the church, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.