Leland Roger Bitner

Leland R Bitner, of Riverside, CA, born October 14, 1936, passed away on March 18, 2015, after a battle with cancer. He was 78 years old. He is survived by his daughters: Leeanne Richardson and Linda Jensen: son-in-laws - Al Richardson and Dale Jensen and former son-in-law, Paul Hartson. Grandchildren: Sarah Hartson Small, Patrick Hartson, Angela Jensen, and Emily Jensen; Great-grandchildren: Nevaeh and Nathan Small; ex-wife, Raullene Bitner and sister-in-law Judy Bitner, of Tucson Arizona. Lee was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 41 years, Nancy, in 1999 and his brother, Merrill Bitner in 2009. Originally from Waukegan, Illinois, Lee loved all sports, especially baseball and tried out to be a pitcher for the Chicago White Sox before enlisting in the Army in 1957. Lee was an active member of the Ark and Anchor Lodge #1027 with the Fraternal Order of DeMolay and worked his way through the offices of Junior Counselor, Senior Counselor and Worthy Counselor. He later joined the Masonic Lodge at the same location and remained a member for 58 years, achieving the rank of Master Mason. Lee came to California while enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Macarthur in San Pedro. During this time, Lee met and married his wife, Nancy in 1958. The couple was transferred to the Great Lakes area of Illinois and they began their family with the birth of their first daughter, Leeanne. The family moved back to California in 1961 and soon after, had another daughter, Linda. Lee worked a variety of managerial positions during his career, including: supervising tax accounts for a bank, an office manager at Hambro-BMC (British Motor Cars), and was distribution center manager for Abbott Labs in Toledo, Ohio. He retired from Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1994, were he was the Warehouse Manager for the Distribution center in Fountain Valley, CA. He and Nancy relocated to Temecula, CA upon Lees retirement. Lee moved to Riverside in 2013 to live with his daughter, Leeanne and son-in-law, Al Richardson. He also enjoyed bowling, country music and Hawaii. Lee and his wife Nancy travelled extensively during their marriage to all parts of the world. They enjoyed the times they were able to spend with their children, grand-children and great-grandchildren. Viewing and Funeral Services will be held on Friday, March 27th at Sierra Memorial Chapel Mortuary in Riverside, California located 4933 La Sierra Ave. 92505. Viewing at 8:30 AM followed by a funeral service at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at 12:30 PM at Green Hills Memorial Park; 27501 S. Western Avenue, Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275. A time of fellowship will take place at the home of Leeanne and Al Richardson at 6543 Westview Drive, Riverside, Ca. 92506 at 3:00 PM, following the interment.