Margie Belle Bittle
Margie Belle Bittle, 97, of Jonesboro, died with her family by her side on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.
She was born on Sept. 17, 1926, in Anna, the daughter of Jacob and Lydia “Elizabeth” Treece Johnson.
Marge, how she was affectionately known, married Walter Carl “Doc” Bittle on Nov. 13, 1943, in Missouri. From that union was born three children, Terry (Rhonda) Bittle, Pamela (Duane) Bierstedt and Gregory (Janice) Bittle.
Mrs. Bittle is survived by her three children; eight grandchildren, Tanya (Robert) Loveless, Brandon (Paula) Bierstedt, Tasha (Jerome) Faire, Kelli (Jacob) Hogan, Tara (Joseph) Rowan, Trisha (Preston) Cobb, Scott (Taylor) Bittle and Brooke (David) Frank; 11 great-grandchildren, Taylor Loveless, Trace (Madison) Faire, Mariah Faire, Raegan Rowan, Presley Bierstedt, Luke Rowan, Bentley and Jolee Cobb, Davis Bittle, Reece Frank and Declan Bittle; two great-great-grandchildren, Gavin Johnson and baby girl Faire on the way; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Walter Carl “Doc” Bittle; and a brother, David F. Johnson.
She was a member of Lockard Chapel Baptist Church. She was a Christian who loved the Lord. She taught countless children Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at Lockard Chapel for decades.
Together, Marge and Doc owned and operated Doc’s Place and Marge’s Country Kitchen at the Route 127/146 junction in Jonesboro. The station was a hub for hunters, fishermen and coffee drinkers. It was the only place in town where you could be served biscuits and gravy, as well as minnows and crickets.
She enjoyed swimming at the “Bubble” in Cape Girardeau for nearly 20 years, canning with her granddaughters, sewing, crafting, picking up treasures at yard sales and tending to her yard work.
Marge loved collecting dolls and lunchboxes and camping with her grandchildren always brought her joy.
She baked and sold sour dough bread at the farmers market and the Vienna Correctional Center. Her family raves about her coconut cream and apple pies, hotcakes and peanut butter cookies.
The Bittle family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ribbing and nurse Stephanie for all the years of compassion and support. Also, the kindness and care given by her home health care workers and Hospice of Southern Illinois.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Robert Loveless officiating. Interment was in Jonesboro Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Lockard Chapel Baptist Church.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.