In Loving Memory Of Blaine Barr Bitner

Blaine Barr Bitner 1916 ~ 2009
Blaine Barr Bitner, 93, peacefully passed away on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at home, in Salt Lake City. He will be remembered for his positive attitude, his great sense of humor, friendly demeanor and work ethic.Blaine was born to Milton Osguthorpe Bitner and Edith A. Olson Bitner on April 4, 1916, in Parleys Park, Utah. He was the oldest of six children. He attended the University of Utah for two years. Blaine married Rose Hall in the Logan LDS Temple on July 29, 1941. She passed away on January 25, 2001. He married Ardis Updegraff Cushing on November 3, 2001. Blaine and Rose began their journey together on the family sheep ranch at Parleys Park, near Park City, Utah. They moved to Salt Lake City in 1952. They spent the summers at the ranch and the winters in Salt Lake City. He was always active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving as a Ward Clerk, in the High Priests, Sunday School, and Temple, and on five Stake Missions. He was an example of missionary work to all he met. He dearly loved the gospel of Jesus Christ, and his family, and had the blessings associated with that love. He has been blessed with a large posterity and the love and respect of many outside his direct family. Each of the family has a special feeling toward their grandpa Bitner because of his love for them and their experiences shared with him. He was a prominent sheep rancher for his life's work, having worked actively there until shortly before his passing. He also worked in excavating and construction of many roads and other large projects in the Salt Lake Valley, Summit and Morgan Counties. He was known by his wide association with many different people and quick smile and engaging conversation for all of them. He always enjoyed the outdoors, and was proud that he shot an elk when he was 89 years old. They were blessed with ten children, Wade (Sandra), Carol (John) Davis, Mary Ann (Roger) Mecham, David (Karen), Roger (Louise), Charlene Hall, Mark (died at age 7), Julie (Stephen) Hall, Brian (Carolyn) and Cindy (Al) Jensen. Blaine and Ardis enjoyed the love and association of their combined posterity of 251. He is also survived by Ardis' children Colleen (Mark) Magleby, K. Wayne (Suzie) Cushing, Ron (Jeanne) Cushing, Sharon (Scott) Moake, and by his brothers Willis, and Lee. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Vaughn, Keith, and sister Joyce. We appreciate all those who lovingly cared for Blaine, especially Ardis. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30th at 12:00 noon, at the Mountain View Third Ward Chapel, 1889 South 1700 East, Salt Lake City. A viewing will be held on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, and at the chapel prior to the service on Tuesday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.