West

Elizabeth M. "Betty" Bittinger West, 78, of Parker passed away at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday at Clarion Hospital following a lingering illness.

Born in Parker, July 28, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Harry J. and Ethel Hallack Armstrong.

Betty was a 1949 graduate of the former Parker High School, a charter member of the Parker Historical Society, and a charter member and past president of the ladies auxiliary of the Parker City Volunteer Fire Department.

She was a lifelong and faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Parker, and she served the church in many capacities, including elder.

Betty was always available to help less fortunate people, whether in health or just in need of a friend.

Surviving are four daughters and spouses, Roberta (Dennis "Butch") Alworth of Parker and Elizabeth (Mike) Gardner, Barbara (Ken) Ritts and Bonnie (Robert) Parenti, all of Emlenton; one son and his wife, William (Ruth Ann) Bittinger of Pittsburgh; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Eva Huemrich of Pittsburgh and June Gardner and Mary McCoy, both of Parker; one brother and his wife, John (Ginny) Armstrong of Templeton; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded by one sister, Rose Sarver.

<B>WEST</B> — Friends of Elizabeth M. "Betty" Bittinger West, who died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009, may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at <B>H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home</B>, Wayne Street, Parker. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Washington Street, Parker, with the Rev. Richard Anschutz, church pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Parker Presbyterian Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First Presbyterian Church of Parker, P.O. Box, Parker, PA 16049.Information also is available at www.buzardfuneralhomes.com.