Alice May Root Bitler, age 87, of Meshoppen, PA, passed away on Tuesday evening, October 24, 2017 at The Gardens of Tunkhannock.

Alice was born on July 24, 1930 at home in Mehoopany, PA, the daughter of the late Reuben and Florence Crispell Root. She grew up as a member of the Mehoopany Baptist Church and was part of the youth group. She graduated from Mehoopany High School with the Class of 1948. She worked as a janitor at the Tunkhannock Middle School for 25 years. She also worked as a seamstress from home, as she would mend and make clothes for many people.

On July 30, 1948, she married Albert E. Bitler and the couple was married for 50 years until his passing on June 7, 1999. Alice was a member of the Mehoopany United Methodist Church and while a member she taught Sunday school and helped in the nursery for 25 years. She was president of the Women's Society of Christian Service and the United Methodist Women. She and her husband served as youth leaders for years, and they would take the youth group camping in the 1960's at World's End State Park. Alice would cook the food while Albert worked on the fire. She loved to fish ever since she was a little girl. Since she was 11 she knew how to sew and she made her own clothes and dresses for dances. She loved to crotchet, knit, and tat as well as square dancing. Alice was a very helpful person and it could be seen in many aspects of her life especially since she would make wedding dresses for young brides. She also made hundred of shawls for the Mehoopany United Methodist Church. She cleaned houses and took in laundry for the elderly. Her house was always open for people in need. Alice had a great outlook on life and always looked to be the good in a person's life. She will be truly missed by her family and friends.

Surviving is her son, Reverend Kenneth Bitler of Meshoppen, PA; grandchildren Aaron Bitler of Philadelphia, PA; Sarah Reilley and her husband John of King of Prussia, PA; Barbara Bitler Lantz and her husband Charlie of Laceyville, PA; great-grandchildren Erich Bitler, Rosaleen Reilley; and Kayleen Reilley. Also surviving is her caregiver and friend Sara Brown of Meshoppen, PA as well as several nieces and nephews. Besides her husband and parents she was preceded is death by her son Edward Bitler; sister Helen Franko; and brother-in-law George Bitler.

Funeral services for Alice will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 10:00 AM from the Mehoopany United Methodist Church with her son Reverend Kenneth Bitler and Pastor Joshua Yorks of the church officiating. Interment will follow at the Vaughn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Mehoopany United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 4635 SR 87, Mehoopany, PA 18629.

Arrangements were entrusted with Sheldon Funeral Homes, 8206 SR 6, Meshoppen, PA.

Online condolences may be made at www.sheldonfuneralhomes.com.