Juanita Bitton

JUANITA BITTON McCAMMON, ID -- Juanita Foster Bitton, 79, of Swan Valley and more recently, McCammon, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2003, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. She was born in Texarkana, Texas, on December 30, 1923, the daughter of Guy and Mayme Foster. She was raised in Ashdown, Arkansas, a poor farmer's daughter who early on learned the values of hard work and industry. Her life history recants a humorous recollection of experiences with her parents and two younger brothers, Guy and Burl, on the farm. She tenderly recalled that though her family was very poor, she didn't know it, and was happy in spite of the lack of material goods. Juanita married Dennis Bitton, a Navy sailor from Swan Valley, Idaho, in 1949 in Patuxent River, Maryland, while employed as a secretary for the government. From there, the couple was stationed in Florida, where all three of their sons were born. The Navy took them from Florida to Tennessee, California, Guam, and back to Coronado, California, where Dennis retired. They then moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where Dennis started a garage and gas business and Juanita worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a supervisor. In 1974, after their three sons had graduated from high school, they moved to Swan Valley, Idaho, where Dennis had grown up in his youth. Three years ago they moved to McCammon to be close to their son Ronald's family. Juanita was a convert to the LDS Church, which she dearly loved. She served in many callings during her life, including Relief Society President and compassionate service leader, as well as a number of other positions. Her love of life was doing family history work. Juanita became an expert in genealogy and served as a Family History Specialist for many years. She was always one of the first to learn new family history related computer programs and worked faithfully and diligently in this area. She submitted hundreds of names for temple work and surely will be met by a large host of grateful family members and friends in the next world. She was a talented seamstress and quilter, and crocheted and knitted many beautiful items for her family. She was a happy, kind and loving wife, mother and grandmother, and is beloved by her posterity. Though she was plagued throughout life with many health problems and underwent dozens of surgeries, she always had a happy disposition and positive outlook on life. Her kindness, smiles and good humor will always be remembered by those who knew her. Juanita is survived by her husband, Dennis; her three sons, Vernal Roy (Vanean) Bitton, Ronald Wayne (Kris) Bitton and Foster Dennis Bitton; 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. Though she was plagued throughout life with many health problems, and underwent dozens of surgeries, she always had a happy disposition and positive outlook on life. Her kindness, smiles and good humor will always be remembered by those who knew her. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, December 27, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the McCammon Stake Center. A viewing for friends and family will precede the services, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Burial will be in the McCammon Norton Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.