Eva Mae Bitting , 89, of South Whitley, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024, at The Waters of Columbia City.

Born on June 15, 1934, in South Whitley, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Louis William Beard and Helen Olive (Buffenbarger) Beard.

Growing up in South Whitley, she graduated from South Whitley High School in 1952. On November 18, 1956, she married Lee E. Bitting. The couple have always made their home in South Whitley. Lee died on July 30, 2004.

In addition to being a homemaker, Eva worked as a secretary at the South Whitley High School, and receptionist at the former Chamberlin Products in South Whitley. After a few years as a teacher's aide at South Whitley Elementary School, she became the secretary for the United Methodist Church of South Whitley, retiring in 2006 after 35 years of service.

Well-known in the community, Eva always had an uplifting spirit. An avid bowler, she was a member of the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC) for over 50 years. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother and Girl Scout Leader.  Eva loved doing craft projects and with Lee was a member of the Fort Wayne Wood Turners and the Splendid Splinters. She was an exceptional cook remembered for her delicious meatballs and enjoyed flower gardening around her property.

Surviving are her children, Robin D. Bitting of Fort Wayne, Renee D. Enyeart of South Whitley, and Lisa M. (Tom) Porter of Larwill; grandchildren, Jason (Sarah) Porter, Vincent Porter, Jayna Enyeart, Devin Gater-Bitting and Justin (Mary) Jancso; ten great-grandchildren; and sisters, Lu (Paul) Reiff of Bluffton and Louise Brendel of Fort Wayne.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn Grable and Dorothy Hough.

Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the South Whitley Community Church, 6685 W State Road 14, South Whitley, with 1 hour of visitation prior. Burial will be beside her husband at the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials in Eva's honor are to the South Whitley Community Church.