Don A. and Judith A. Bitler

Judith Ann Bitler, 85, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away on February 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family—the ones she cherished most.

Judy was born on April 14, 1940, in Neenah, Wisconsin, to Ervin and Julia Heyer. The second oldest of six children, she grew up alongside her older brother Jerry and took great joy in helping care for her younger siblings, Mary, Mike, Barbara, and Karen. Her early childhood was filled with happy memories of living above her parents’ grocery store in Milwaukee, where the rooftop patio served as their playground. There, Judy and her siblings spent hours playing, laughing, and even mischievously calling out to pedestrians and playing tricks on cable car operators below.

Judy attended Catholic school from elementary through high school, graduating from Divine Savior High School in 1958. Soon after graduation, she moved to Lake Forest, IL to attend Barat College for Women and study Home Economics. While there she formed many life long friendships. Friends were very important to Judy. Anyone who knew her knew that, if you met her once, you were a friend for life! She always considered her friends to be part of her family, always there for anyone who needed her.

Judy’s nurturing spirit guided her throughout her life. After journeying to California to help her brother and sister in law as they waited for the arrival of their 3rd child, she met the love of her life, Don. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised four children—Christine, Sharon, John, and Jim. Judy devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and care.

She worked as a dental assistant for over 40 years, a career she took great pride in. Passionate about dental hygiene, she made sure her family—especially her grandchildren—understood the importance of caring for their teeth. She often spoke of “sugar bugs” and the need to brush them away each morning and night, a lesson her loved ones will never forget.

Judy was a woman of many talents. She was an expert seamstress, an avid knitter, a baker, and a dedicated gardener. Her garden flourished with tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, onions, berries, and countless other plants she lovingly tended. Her potato salad, sour cream sugar cookies, apple and lemon meringue pies, and zucchini relish were legendary among family and friends. They were always a treasured gift to receive.

Above all else, Judy loved her family. She took immense pride in her ten grandchildren—Jordan, Kylie, Bryce, Hannah, Megan, Emma, Jack, Sofia, Noah, and Ethan—and treasured every moment spent with them. Whether baking cookies, sewing aprons and pillowcases, playing Triominos and Sequence, or reading together, Judy created memories that will last a lifetime.

At her core, Judy was a nurturer. She was her family’s biggest cheerleader—always ready with a listening ear, a compassionate hug, and wise advice. She showed her love through simple but meaningful acts, like cooking her famous chicken soup, or putting on a pot of tea, and sitting down to truly connect. Her unwavering support and deep love for others defined her life.

During the last 5 years of Judy’s life, she courageously battled Multiple Myeloma. She never gave up and would often be found working in her yard and vegetable garden, a place that gave her much peace. Dr Pierson and his staff at St Alphonsus Cancer Institute were a great help and comfort to Judy on this journey. She considered them her friends, and would often bring homemade goodies to share with Dr. P and his “girls” as she so lovingly called them. Thank you for your care and kindness to our mom.

Judy was preceded in death by her father Ervin, her mother Julia, her brother Jerry, and sister Karen. She leaves behind a legacy of love through her children, grandchildren, and all who knew her. A woman of deep faith, Judy lived her life in devotion to God, spreading light and kindness to everyone she encountered.

Don A. Bitler, 89, of Meridian, Idaho, passed away on February 4, 2026.

He was born on October 8, 1936, in Los Angeles, California, to Edwin and Carol Bitler. Growing up with his siblings, Eddie and Suzie, Don’s childhood was filled with adventure. He fondly recalled riding the streetcar across Los Angeles, visiting amusement parks, and going to the movies—all for just ten cents a day. He grew up loving Disney, and Disneyland, a passion he shared with his children and grandchildren. Don would never turn down an opportunity to share his favorite meal of the day with others, and could often be found at Joe Momma’s enjoying breakfast with one or more of his children or grandchildren. He also loved Bob’s Big Boy!!! He took great pride in sharing his collection of menus from the restaurant and telling stories of how he had “”acquired ” them. Don was known for his humor and quick wit, always ready with a humorous comment, joke, or story. No matter the situation, one always knew it would end in laughter.

Living through the World War II era instilled in Don a deep sense of patriotism and a lifelong interest in history. As a Boy Scout, he developed a love for the outdoors and learned skills he would carry with him throughout his life, including attending a National Boy Scout Jamboree. He spent many years volunteering with the local Boy Scout troop that his son John was part of, planning camp outs and leading canoe expeditions down the Colorado River.

Don attended St. Francis High School and went on to pursue higher education at Cal Poly studying engineering, and later earning his master’s degree from the University of Southern California. A devoted USC fan, he proudly wore Trojan apparel and rarely missed an opportunity to support his team.

He served in the United States Coast Guard, where his dedication and love for his country were evident. Following his service, Don built a successful career as an engineer, contributing his knowledge and tireless work ethic to major projects, including the Atlas, Centaur, and Titan missile programs.

Don’s life was never the same once he met the love of his life, and best friend, Judy. Their love story spanned over 65 years. He was a dedicated husband and father, always ready for new adventures together.

In retirement, Don became a dedicated volunteer at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho for over 19 years. He took great pride in his work there, contributing to the Veterans History Project, assisting visitors, sharing his knowledge and love of History with younger generations, and forming meaningful friendships within the museum community.

As a grandfather, he found immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He could often be found working on 1,000-piece puzzles with them, watching war movies, collecting quarters for their coin books, or setting up the cherished Christmas train beneath the tree. Although he had no grandsons that played football, he never missed a Bishop Kelly HS home game. On crisp Fall Friday nights he could be found enjoying a hamburger and sitting in the stands with his family, rooting on the Knights.

Don was preceded in death by his father Edwin, his mother Carol, brother Ed, sister-in-law Betty, sister Sue, his niece Linda, and his nephew Ed. He will be remembered for his quick sense of humor, his determination, his curiosity and love of learning, his talents as a photographer and woodworker, and his deep devotion to his family.

Together, Don and Judy shared a love story that spanned decades. They met in 1960 on a blind date arranged by Judy’s brother and felt an immediate connection. Just three weeks later, Don proposed. They were married on November 3, 1962, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love and devotion.

They built their family in San Diego, raising their four children with immense pride and joy. One of their most treasured memories was a month-long cross-country trip during the United States Bicentennial, traveling by motorhome and exploring the nation together.

Over the years, Don and Judy lived in several states, including Colorado, Texas, Arizona, and California. No matter where they went, they created a home filled with warmth and love. In 2005, they settled in Idaho to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren, building the home that would become the heart of countless family gatherings and celebrations.

They were gracious and enthusiastic hosts, bringing loved ones together for holidays, birthdays, and everyday moments alike. Their house was always open for impromptu barbecues and volleyball games in the backyard. Padre games were an annual summertime pastime, as well as sailing adventures in San Diego Bay, picnics, and catching concerts at the Del Mar Fair. Throughout their marriage, they embraced adventure, traveling to destinations such as Italy, England, Spain, Alaska, Hawaii, and France, and enjoying many cruises together.

In 2012, Don and Judy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by friends and family—a testament to a life well lived together.

Don and Judy lived for their family. Their love and devotion created a legacy that will endure for generations. While their absence is profoundly felt, there is comfort in knowing they are together, just as they were throughout their lives.

They leave behind their four children, Christine (Neil), Sharon (Lawrence), John (Caryn), and Jim (Julie), along with their ten beloved grandchildren, Jordan, Kylie (Luka), Bryce (Julia), Hannah, Megan, Emma, Jack, Sofia, Noah, and Ethan.. The values they instilled—love, compassion, faith, and family—will continue to guide all who knew them.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” — Desmond Tutu

Don and Judy were truly a gift. Their lives were a reflection of grace, love, and faith, and their example will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know them.

A Rosary will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026 and the Funeral Mass to follow at 12 p.m. at Risen Christ Catholic Church, 11511 W. Lake Hazel Rd., Boise, ID 83709. Reception to follow Mass.

In Lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Warhawk Air Museum, Nampa, Idaho, in memory of Don and Judy Bitler.