Esther Lillian Bitner

June 30, 1918 - May 21, 2012

Esther L. Bitner, 93, passed away Monday, May 21, 2012 at Kansas City Hospice House. Funeral services will be at 1:30pm Wednesday, May 23, at The Louis Memorial Chapel, 6830 Troost Ave. Kindly omit flowers. The family suggests contributions to Kehilath Israel Synagogue, The Jewish War Veterans or a charity of the donor’s choice. Mrs. Bitner was born in Kansas City, MO, the daughter of Louis and Mary (Kaplan) Gottlieb, and was a lifelong area resident. She danced professionally in both local and regional productions when she was a young woman. Dance remained one of her greatest pleasures throughout her life. Esther enjoyed playing golf. After making a “hole-in-one”, which was documented in Golf Digest, she retired from the game, declaring she couldn’t do any better. Esther also was an excellent seamstress. Mrs. Bitner was a lifelong member of Kehilath Israel Synagogue and its Sisterhood. She was also a member of The Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary, Hadassah, Jewish Women International and others. Mrs. Bitner was preceded in death by her loving husband of 54 years, Robert Bitner and her sister, Goldene Rydell. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Sharon and Howard Levitan, Leawood, KS; brother: Sam Gottlieb, Overland Park, KS; grandchildren: Norman Levitan; Andrea Ellis and her husband Mark; great-grandchildren: Riley and Elia Ellis.