Ronald Keith Bitter

Ronald Keith Bitter, 77, of Evansville, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at VNA Charlier Hospice. He was born on March 1, 1937, in Evansville, IN to Ronald and Ruth (Clark) Bitter, who preceded him in death.

He was a graduate of Reitz Memorial High School and worked for Industrial Contractors/Skanska for over 50 years. As a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local #20, he was a man who loved his work and the people he worked with.

Ron, being a man of strong faith, was a chartered member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. He had a strong sense of helping others and never backed down to a challenge, in work or play. He married the love of his life, Roberta, in 1956 and was not only her husband, but her best friend. For 58 years, they spent many wonderful times together.

Ron’s love for his family was his highest priority. He was always there to help with any project his friends and family took on, especially if it meant making them happy and more comfortable. Anyone who met Ron could see he was a man of integrity and stayed true to his word.

He had many good times playing cards and loved going to breakfast with family and friends. One of his passions was playing golf and he always looked forward to getting in another round. Another favorite pastime Ron shared with his wife and friends was watching horse racing. He had a knack for picking “winners” but when he didn’t, he still kept a smile on his face and looked forward to the next race.

Ron was unique in the sense that he could always see the good in people and always kept a wonderful, optimistic outlook on life. This quality reflected onto his wife and family who knew him as a kind, gentle and honest man. We all have many happy memories of Ron and these will be remembered and held dear in our hearts and cherished forever.

Ron is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Roberta (Holtz); daughter, Tami (Dan) O’Rourke; son, Tim (Ann) Bitter; brother, Richard Bitter; sister, Martha McCoy; grandchildren, Natalie (Brandon) Briddell, Meggie (Chris) Komar, David O’Rourke, Trisha (Clint) Memmer, Kristen Bitter and Matthew Bitter; mother-in-law, Virginia Holtz; brother-in-law, Bob Holtz; sister-in-laws, Regina Sisk, Vanell Volkman and Pam (Roger) Young; five great-grandchildren, with another due in August; and several nieces and nephews who were very dear to him.

Everyone listed here was proud to be a part of Ron’s life and he will be greatly missed. He will be remembered by us all until we gather together again in heaven. The earth lost a wonderful person, but heaven gained a beautiful soul.

Well done, good and faithful servant!

Special thanks to Dr. Kris Chilukuri, Dr. John Meunier, Dr. Maqbool Ahmed for their kindness and compassion. Our gratitude to the Deaconess Gateway nurses/techs in the ER, ICU and Oncology Unit. Words cannot express the wonderful care Ron received at VNA Charlier Hospice and the love given by the staff.

Services will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 24, 2014, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, officiated by Father Zach Etienne, with burial in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit Sunday 2:00 to 7:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel and Monday from 9:00 AM until service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2301 N. Stockwell Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 or to VNA Charlier Hospice, 610 E. Walnut St., Evansville, IN 47713. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.