Betty Ann Ittner

Betty Ann Ittner (Yarnell) aged 93 passed away peacefully and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 21, 2024.

Betty was born in Midland, Michigan on April 21, 1931, to the late Hugh C. and Martha Yarnell Barton (Kapanka). She was raised in Midland on the Kapanka homestead and graduated from Midland High School in 1950. She married the love of her life Norman L. Ittner on May 31, 1952. Together they enjoyed a wonderful life until his passing on January 18, 1990. She had been a faithful and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bay City for most of her adult life.

She enjoyed travel, cooking, baking and anything outdoors especially gardening. She was also an avid and successful deer hunter and took great pride in hunting on the family homestead well into her later years. A passionate Detroit Tigers fan she followed the team year after year—win or lose and never gave up hope. On her 87th birthday she had the honor of meeting the greatest Tiger ever—Al Kaline. She took great pride in their meeting and showed the picture of them together to anyone and everyone she knew.

 In her younger years, Betty was a 4-H and FFA member/leader and was even selected as the “Bean Queen” for Midland County in 1950. 

Additionally, she worked as the Monitor Township Election Chairman for many years and was the Secretary of AAL (now Thrivent) Insurance at Zion Lutheran Church. 

Betty’s joy in the simple things and her positive outlook, deep faith, and willingness to help anyone in need will be missed by all who knew her. She had a wonderful smile and a heartfelt laugh and was truly an inspiration to her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her two sons Marvin Ittner of Au Gres MI, and Randy (Lori) Ittner of Blairsville, GA. Also, dear friends Darlean Craig, Rick & Deb Craig, Ken Haustein, Marty & Joan Obermiller, David & Beth Pfund, and Bob & Brenda Krystosek. 

In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her Stepfather Bernard Barton, two sisters Mary (Lorin) Pfund and Rita (Al) Case. Sisters-In-Law, Ruth (Robert) Chapman, Esther (Elmer) Volz, and Edna (Edward) Meyer, and her longtime feline companion “Goldie”. 

Finally, the Family would like to extend a special thank you for the exceptional care and friendship Betty received from Sheffield Bay Assisted Living, Visiting Angels, Right at Home Healthcare and Cardinal Hospice.

Funeral and Committal services will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. The Rev. Phillip Baerwolf will officiate. Private interment will be in Floral Gardens Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday at the Church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Zion Lutheran Church General Fund, the Lutheran Hour or Cardinal Hospice of Bay City.