Barbara Eileen Bittinger (née Reitler), age 77, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, surrounded by her daughter and loved ones, while listening to the music of Pink Floyd. Affectionately known to many as Barb, she was born on November 7, 1948, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Sara Jane (née Linder) and Richard Reitler.

A thread that ran throughout Barb's life was her love of crafting and creativity. A lifelong seamstress, she lovingly made her children's Halloween costumes each year. Holiday decorations were always uniquely handcrafted and often gifted to friends and family. During the 1980s and 90s, Barb owned and operated her own arts and crafts business, Victorian Memories. Weekends were often spent traveling to craft shows with her husband, mother, and two children, who all played a part in the family business. She also sold a variety of her handcrafted creations in arts and crafts stores throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. After closing her business, Barb worked part-time at American Greetings for many years. Later in life, her creativity continued through quilting, card making, and beadwork.

But perhaps the most meaningful thread woven through Barb's life was the enduring love she shared with her husband, Lynn Bittinger. The two met while working together at Alltel in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, and quickly fell in love. Soon after, they blended their families and settled in Stow, Ohio, where they would spend decades building a life together.

In many ways, they were opposite. Lynn was organized, methodical, and a planner, while Barb was spontaneous, playful, and always ready with a laugh or a joke. Yet their differences complemented one another beautifully. Their affection was never something they kept to themselves. Whether sharing a warm embrace, a sweet kiss, or simply laughing together, their love was something you could see and feel.

Their early years were filled with family bike rides, vacations, and the joys of raising their children together. Later in life, they embraced the freedom of the open road, traveling and making memories in their beloved RV. They especially enjoyed trips to the Outer Banks and getaways to the mountains of Pennsylvania. Through all of life's adventures, big and small, what mattered most was that they were together. Their love remained constant; a beautiful example of two people who genuinely delighted in one another's company.

Barbie, as her husband lovingly called her, was the beloved wife of the late Lynn Bittinger; loving mother of Brian Julius Kwolek (Talula) and Annie Lerman (Louis DiMattia); cherished stepmother of Troy Bittinger (Tracy) and Craig Bittinger (Carrie); devoted grandmother of Alexis and Reid Lerman, Travis and Tanner Bittinger, McKenzie Bittinger, and Audrey and Eric DiMattia; and proud great-grandmother of Levi and Emerson Bittinger. She was also the dear sister of Janet Reitler and the late Kathy, John, and Richard Reitler.

The family will receive friends at THE ORLANDO-DONSANTE-PREVITE FUNERAL HOME 29550 EUCLID AVE., WICKLIFFE, ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 12TH FROM 4:00 TO 6:00 P.M. WHERE A FUNERAL SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT 5:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, check donations may be made in Barb's memory to the Willoughby Hills Quilt Guild, c/o Willoughby Hills Recreation Department 35400 Chardon Rd, Willoughby Hills OH 44094.

To leave condolences for the family, please visit www.orlandodonsanteprevitefh.com.