Clarence Upton Bittle, 85

February 28, 2009

Clarence Upton Bittle, 85

JUNE 25, 1923-FEB. 26, 2009

MYERSVILLE, Md. - Clarence Upton Bittle, 85, of Myersville, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2009, at the Washington County Hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born June 25, 1923, in the farmhouse where he grew up near Myersville and was the son of the late Silas and Daisy Grossnickle Bittle.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 64 years, E. Elizabeth Rice Bittle and his four children, Patricia Mose and husband Jerry of Hagerstown; Rachel Black of Hagerstown; David Bittle and wife Susan of Hagerstown and Debbie Bittle-Wilson and husband Robert of Myersville; eight grandchildren, Seth Mose, Shalom Black Lane, Sarah Black Ickes, Jordan Bittle, Asher Bittle, Abigail Bittle Griffith, Caleb Wilson and Jacob Wilson; four great-grandhildren, Judah Ickes, Lydia Ickes, Blake Bittle and Darby Bittle. Also surviving him are his niece, Martha Bittle; nephew, Gene Bittle; and brother-in-law, E. Eugene Rice.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Roy and Robert Bittle, and his son-in-law, Wayne Black.

A lifelong member of the Myersville Church of the Brethren where he and his wife served as Deacons. He retired from the Acme Markets after 30 years of employment having worked in the Frederick, Middletown, Boonsboro, Brunswick, Hagerstown, Md., and Martinsburg, W.Va., stores.

The greatest loves of his life were his wife Elizabeth, his family, his church, his farm and attending auctions as long as he was physically able. When he no longer was able to attend auctions, he loved to hear about the auctions of his son-in-law, Robert. He also loved to visit with and hear all of the news from his family and friends. He delighted in repeating stories to others, including those of his growing-up years, which he was able to do for his family once more on the day he died.

The family will greet friends and family from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2009, at The Ricketts Funeral Home, 504 Main St., Myersville.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2009, at the Myersville Church of the Brethren, Main Street, Myersville.

Inurnment will be on the family farm.

Memorial donations may be made to the Myersville Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 403, Myersville, MD 21773 or to the Church of the Brethren, Disaster Response Fund, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

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