Wilma Lucile Bitler

Wilma Lucile (Beery) Bitler, 99, died Saturday, February 12, at Westerwood (formerly Friendship Village of Columbus). She was born July 23, 1922, in Lima, Ohio, and graduated from Lima High School, where she met her sweetheart, Ronald Edgar Bitler. They were married February 1, 1942, in Lima, and made their home in Columbus. While Ronald served overseas in the Navy during World War II, Wilma became a “Rosie the Riveter”, inspecting warplanes at Columbus’ Curtis Wright plant. When the war was over, they bought a house in the Linden neighborhood and raised their son, Ron, eventually moving to Forest Park in the Northland area. Wilma was employed as a hairdresser and later worked in the kitchen at Northland High School. She was a longtime member of Triangle Chapter Eastern Star. But her greatest achievement was as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was always a place of comfort, peace and plenty of good food, as she was an excellent cook. She also was a fine seamstress, making clothes for her grandchildren that have been passed down to the next generation.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years; her parents, George and Minnie Beery; brothers Robert, Irvin, Paul, George and Ernie; and sisters Edith Rousch, Ruth Knecht, Cora Geiger, Mary Odell and Marguerite Smith. She is survived by sister-in-law Peggy Beery and brother-in-law Dean Bitler; son Ron (Patty) Bitler; grandchildren Ross Bitler and Rachel (Jason) Balsbaugh; great-grandchildren Remy and Lily Balsbaugh; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 9:30am until 10:30am on Saturday, February 19 at SCHOEDINGER NORTH, 5554 Karl Rd., Columbus, followed immediately by a celebration of life. Interment to follow at Kingwood Memorial Park. For the safety of those attending, masks are required.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Westerwood assisted living and Capital City Hospice for their excellent care of Wilma.