Jamie Joan Bitner, 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on May 25, 2026. Born April 5, 1950, in Kokomo, Indiana, Jamie will be remembered for the quiet strength of a life devoted to others—marked by steady work, gentle generosity, and a compassionate spirit that made people feel cared for and at ease.
Jamie graduated from Sharpsville-Prairie High School in 1968. She later devoted 20 years to Gourmet Art, where she worked as an instructor teaching cake decorating and candy making—sharing her skill with patience and kindness, and taking pride in helping others learn.
On February 16, 1969, Jamie married her loving husband, Paul, at Liberty Baptist Church in Kempton, IN. In the years that followed, Jamie’s devotion to family was evident in the everyday ways she gave of herself—through thoughtful care, a steady presence, and the warmth of meals and traditions shared together.
Jamie enjoyed camping, cooking and baking for the family, and she especially looked forward to her annual Christmas shopping trip with her family—simple joys that reflected her tender-hearted nature and the love she poured into those closest to her.
Jamie is survived by her daughter, Melissa Bitner; sister, Kathy Rood (Russell Rood); nieces Monica Evans (Jim), Sheri (Corradi) Keller, Susan Corradi, Sandi Corradi, Stacy Bitner, Erica Bitner, and Crystal Haworth; nephews Tony Rood (Kim), Brian Bitner, Greg Haworth, and Jeremy Bitner; and brother-in-law, Kevin "Mike" Bitner.
Jamie was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Bitner Jr.; son, Joshua Bitner; parents, Donald and Annabelle (Phillabaum) Zirkle; grandparents, Henry Otto and Catherine Lenora (Crousore) Phillabaum, and Della and Rex Zirkle; stepfather, Clifford Phelps; and sister, Anita Corradi (Jim). Also preceding in death are many aunts, uncles, and cousins as well as, sisters-in-laws who were like sisters, Marsha Haworth and Rhonda Bitner.
Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on June 3, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am. A Funeral Service will follow at the same location on June 3, 2026, at 1:00 pm. Jamie will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery, 50 North CR 780 East, Greentown, Indiana 46936, on June 3, 2026.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/dignitymemorial.
The family would like to extend gratitude to the staff of Compassus Hospice for all the care they provided to Jamie.
