Virginia M. Bitter, 78, died March 17, 2011 at Salina Regional Health Center, Salina, Kansas. She was born July 20, 1932 at Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Edward and Alvena (Dick) Luerman. She was a 1950 graduate of Dorrance High School. A homemaker and longtime Barton County resident coming from Russell County, she married Eugene "Gene" Bitter November 18, 1951 at Susank, Kansas. She was a seamstress. Mrs. Bitter was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, ELCA. She was baptised September 4, 1932 and was confirmed June 15, 1947. Survivors include her husband, Gene Bitter, of he home; two brothers-in-law, Harry Bitter and wife Irene, Hoisington; and Richard Kilian, Russell; one sister-in-law, Ruth Howard, Wakeeney, Kansas; and eleven nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Erma Kilian and her dog, Tina. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m., Sunday, March 21, 2011 at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 21, 2011 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hoisington. The Reverend Steven Little will officiate. Burial will be in Hoisington Cemetery. Friends may call from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, March 20, 2011, with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. to service time Monday at the church, at Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home. Memorials are requested to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in care of the funeral home.