Anna Bittinger

Anna E. Bittinger, age 89, of Chambersburg, PA, passed away on Monday, October 20, 2014 at Menno Haven. Born, March 8, 1925 in Newburg, PA, she was a daughter of the late Oliver James and Eve Rife Bittinger.

A 1943 graduate of Shippensburg high School, Anna went on to attend Shippensburg University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in education. She then completed graduate courses at Shippensburg University and Penn State University and earned her Master’s Degree in education from Temple University in 1956. During her time in college she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi at Shippensburg University then Alpha Zeta Chi at Temple University. She first taught at Osceola Mills School District for four years, the taught business at Chambersburg Area School District until her retirement in 1982 after 31 years of service. While working for CASHS, she served as an advisor for the Tri-Hi-Y club for 16 years, served as an usher for them for 28 years and was the advisor to the Class of 1955. She was a former member of Newburg New Hope Church and a current member of First United Methodist Church in Chambersburg for the past 52 years where she served as the president of the United Methodist Women for eight years and attended the Alda Bowers Sunday School Class. She held life memberships in PASR, NEA, and PSEA. She was also a member of Menno Haven Auxiliary and the Chambersburg Hospital Auxiliary where she served both as a volunteer for many years. She traveled to most of the States in the U.S. and several countries including, Israel, Turkey, Egypt, German, Switzerland, and Austria.

She is survived by her niece, Donna R. Cropp and husband J. Mark of Gettysburg; three great-nieces, Marci L. Cropp of Gettysburg, Julie M. Cropp and husband Steve S. Gareleck of Atlanta, GA, and Kayla A. Staub of Shippensburg; four great-nephews, Craig A. Bittinger and wife Dianna, Michael D. Staub, William E. Staub and wife Rachel, and David Staub; five great great-nephews and nieces; and four great-great great-nieces and nephews. Aside from her parents, she is preceded in death by two brothers William Ernest Bittinger and Harold Edward Bittinger; one nephew, Ronald James Bittinger; and two nieces, Shirley Ann Snyder and Norma Jean Staub.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 23, 2014 in the chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. Rev. Donald C. Nolder will officiate. Interment will follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Newville, PA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 225 S. 2nd Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to Menno Haven Inc. c/o Menno Haven Gift Planning Services, 2011 Scotland Ave. Chambersburg, PA 17201.