Virginia Bittner

Virginia Ruth Luscher (Geelhoed) Bittner, aged 96 formerly of Holland, Michigan, was received into the arms of our Lord, July 4, 2012 in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Virginia was born at Blodgett Hospital, Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 16, 1916 to George Luscher and Jean (Parker) Luscher of Wyoming, Michigan. Virginia grew up in a family of six children; Gordon, Edith, George, Raymond, and Shirley. She married Edward VanKalker in 1939 and had two beautiful daughters, Joyce Lynn in January 1941, and Jane Ellen in February 1947. Edward died in June of 1947 leaving Virginia with the challenge of raising her daughters by herself. Times were tough but the three ValKalker women persevered and enjoyed a home full of love and laughter but not much else. Virginia then met and married Edward Geelhoed in April of 1960. They worked together at Lear where Virginia was a gyroscope assembler, a career she had until she retired in 1978. Virginia and Edward purchased a condo in South Pasadena, Florida and enjoyed being snowbirds until Ed's death in 1981. Never one to remain idle, Virginia spent time volunteering both in Holland, Michigan, where she spent her summer months at the lakeshore, and in South Pasadena. She took pleasure in volunteering at a senior living center in Holland and it was there that she met Herman Bittner. They were married in June of 1983 and continued to enjoy life in both Michigan and Florida until Herm's death in 1990. Virginia was an independent and strong woman, never one to back down from a challenge. She drove herself back and forth between Michigan and Florida well into her 90's (much to her daughters' dismay), liked entertaining and making something out of nothing. She could reupholster a sofa, wallpaper her kitchen, paint gorgeous ceramic figurines, or knit a beautiful afghan. A generous friend, mother, and grandmother, she enjoyed looking good and lived her life to the fullest. Virginia attended Fellowship Reformed Church in Holland and Pasadena Community Church in Saint Petersburg. Virginia is survived by her daughter: Jane (Autsema) Aylsworth and husband Dewey of Sheridan, Michigan; grandchildren: Wendy Kise and husband Ron of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Michael Vincent and wife Valerie of Redding, California, Christopher Gilbert of Carson City, Nevada, Amy Autsema Bennett and husband Rob of Walker, Michigan, Ann-Marie Autsema Baumgardner and husband Rob of Frankenmuth, Michigan; great-grandchildren: Joseph Freeman, Courtney and Ryan Gilbert, Connor and Parker Ann-Marie Bennett, Daniel and Elizabeth Baumgardner; three great-great grandchildren, and her very special cat, Nipper. Virginia was preceded in death by her daughter Joyce Brown, her husbands, her parents, and her siblings. Virginia will be buried at Grandville Cemetery, Grandville, Michigan. A private family burial will take place later this summer. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider their local Humane Society. David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Central Avenue Chapel in St. Petersburg is serving the family Service Information