Minerva A. Bitner

Minerva A. Bitner, 96, of Ephrata, formerly of Reamstown, passed away early Saturday morning, September 30, 2023. Born in Ephrata, she was the daughter of the late Oran & Kathyrn (Zerbe) Boose. Minerva grew up in Reamstown and raised her family in Reamstown. For many years, she loved volunteering for the Girl Scouts of Lancaster and York Counties and organized the first local Campfire Girl Scout Troop. She also served on the Scout Council for Lancaster and York Counties. Minerva was the jewelry department manager for Galen's of Ephrata for 19 years, she owned her own dress shop called the House of Fashion in Ephrata, and for 10 years she was the manager at Deco Craft House. She was dedicated to the community spending 43 years volunteering for Reamstown Days and assisted in the founding of the former Reamstown Youth Center, now Reamstown Community Center. Rooted in her faith, she spent 25 years playing the organ for the former Salem Lutheran church, then organist and choir director for Muddy Creek Lutheran Church. Minerva loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family. She loved big adventures such as traveling the world as well as the simple pleasures of life such as watching the birds at the birdfeeder, tending her garden, and the sweet taste of a honeybun. Minerva was hardworking and independent. She passionately believed in her community and family. Survivors include a daughter, Melanie Kelly (Ed); five grandchildren, Jessica Bitner (Bianca), Tiffany Shelley (Greg), Donovan Stief (Kristi), Trevor Stief (Janice), Christian Stief; and eight great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, Donald Stief (Lily); daughter Michelle Bitner; and brother, Vernon Boose. A Viewing will be held on Fri., Oct. 6th from 10a.m. to 12p.m. at Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 34 N. Reamstown Rd., Reamstown (Stevens). Interment will follow at Memorial Gardens, Ephrata. Viewing Friday, October 6, 2023 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM (EST) Good Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre 34-38 North Reamstown Road Reamstown, Pennsylvania 17567 United States Graveside Service Friday, October 6, 2023 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM (EST) Memory Gardens 319 Wabash Road Ephrata, Pennsylvania 17522 United States