Shirley Ann Bittner

Where it all started as two meeting at the water fountain, they both shall meet again. She traveled and lived around the world alongside her beloved husband of 63 years, Robert E. Bittner, a retired U.S. Air Force serviceman. Their journey took them to places like Japan and Thailand, and in those travels, Shirley brought her family along for the ride, building memories that spanned continents.

Shirley was the proud mother of six children—three girls and three boys, perfectly alternating in birth order: Judy Oxler (husband, Jerry), Greg Bittner (wife, Nena) both born in MN, Terri Wilson (Deceased) born in Japan, David Bittner (wife, Betty) born in MS, Kathy Hundley (husband, Tim) born in TX and Brian Bittner born in Thailand.

In Grandview, Missouri, Shirley worked as a cook at the Blue 7 Lounge, where she was well-known for her incredible tacos. She later transitioned to a career in the avionics industry. During her time in Grandview, she also served as President of the Santa Maria Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus in 1976–77.

Eventually, Shirley moved to La Cygne, Kansas, where she embraced her love for baking and crafting. She delighted in making hand-crafted clowns—especially her beloved Chiefs clowns—and her famous banana bread, which always sold out.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her daughter, Terri Wilson. She is survived by her daughter Judy (Jerry) Oxler and their children Joe (Nikki) Dalzell, Jim (Amber) Dalzell and Jennifer (Jim) Backus; her son Greg (Nena) Bittner and their children Michael Bittner, Michelle (Brandon) Jones, and Melody Ryan; her son David (Betty) Bittner; her daughter Kathy (Tim) Hundley and their children Stephanie (Phil) King and Brandon Hundley; and her son Brian Bittner and his children Kyla (Jason) Bradley and Emma Bittner. Shirley is also survived by her daughter Terri’s two children, Rusty (Jamie) Wilson and Katie (Jaime) Wilson-Garcia. Additionally, Shirley is survived by 18 great-grandchildren.

Shirley lived a life full of love and laughter. Her warmth, strength, and sweet spirit touched everyone who knew her. Above all, she will be remembered for her enduring love and the simple, heartfelt words she shared with everyone: "I love you."