William Spieth Bitner

William Spieth Bitner, 83, of Scottsbluff, passed away Wednesday, July 26, 2006 at the Beverly Center in Scottsbluff. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 1, at the First Presbyterian Church in Scottsbluff. William Spieth Bitner was born Nov. 21, 1922, to William Lincoln and Alta Spieth Bitner. He was raised in the Hull Community of Banner County where he attended District 9 Elementary School. He graduated from Mitchell High School in 1940. After his father's death in 1939, he and his mother operated the family ranch. He married Roberta Jessup in 1942; they had one son, William Stanley. In 1946 they moved to the Valley where he worked for the Valley Implement Company as a salesman. He obtained his Real Estate Broker's License in 1951. He operated as an individual agent for several years. In 1977 he and his partner purchased a Century 21 Franchise. Roberta passed away in 1964 and he met and married Frances Enwall in 1965. Bill was very active in the community. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Banner County Fair Board prior to moving from the ranch. His activities since moving to the Valley included participation in the Scottsbluff JayCees where he served on the board as Director, Vice President, President, State District Vice President and National Director. He received several key awards including Distinguished Service Award and a Life Membership in 1958. He was Cub Master of Cub Pack 6 for four years and spent four years with the Odd Fellows Scout Troop. He was a member of the 23 Club for eighteen years and was given a Senior Membership for his work with the club. He served eleven years on the Board of Trustees of the West Nebraska General Hospital. Bill joined the Scoffs Bluff County Board of Realtors in 1954 and has been an active member of the local and state boards, receiving the Realtor of the Year award and serving twice as local President. Among his other activities he was a member of the Scottsbluff Kiwanis Club; Director of the Make-a-Wish Foundation of Scottsbluff; member of the Scottsbluff-Gering Chamber of Commerce, where he also served on the Board of Directors; member of the United Way Board of Governors; and a member of the Twin City Development Corporation. In 1996 his office staff nominated him for the Chamber of Commerce, Boss of the Year, which he was awarded. Bill celebrated his 50th year in Real Estate in 2001 and sold his office and retired in 2002. Survivors include his wife, Frances; son, Bill Jr.; stepdaughters, Nancy Enwall and Linda Robertson; grandchildren, Nicole Duello and Theodore Bitner; three great-grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.