Inez Bitely

1930 - 2025

Inez Lorraine (Good) Bitely, 94, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at White Oaks Assisted Living, Lawton. She was born Nov. 10, 1930, in a little house north of Lawton, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence Good and Irene (Silvernail) Good.
When Inez was six years old, she began her education at the Durkee District, a one-room school with grades first through sixth. From there, she attended Lawton Middle and High School. Inez went to Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Western Michigan University and graduated from Nazareth College with a major in nursing and a minor in psychology. She was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau sorority.
Inez began working at Lake View Community Hospital, Paw Paw, as a nurse. After working as a nurse for many years, she taught nursing at Southwestern Michigan College for 26 years. She also spent 36 years with the Red Cross as a disaster nurse.
Inez was a talented poetry writer and had published three poetry books, "Kindlewood I, II, and III." She also was a gifted quilter and gardener. Inez enjoyed traveling, reading, writing and spending time with her family.
She was a devout Christian and a longtime member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Lawton. She spent countless hours volunteering and helping with church services and events. She was a member of St. Paul's Widow's Group and East Van Buren County Seniors.
On June 27, 1948, she married Donald Bitely, who preceded her in passing in 2003. After Don's death, Inez lived at Miller Court, Paw Paw, until 2023, when she moved to White Oaks, Lawton.
She is survived by her four sons, Nathan (Deb), Fred (Caroline), Conrad (Kim) and James (Leslie); eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Inez was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Don; and siblings, Lawrence, Al, Joseph, Betty and Beatrice.
In accordance with Inez's wishes, cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Saturday, Oct. 4, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 63855 M-40 Highway, Lawton. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to noon with a memorial service beginning at noon with Pastor Ashlei Horn and Pastor Patti Haas officiating. There will be a luncheon following services at the church. Inez will be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery, Lawton.
Memorial contributions in memory of Inez may be directed to St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 63855 M-40 Highway, Lawton, MI, 49065, or to Transitions Hospice, 555 W. Crosstown Parkway, Suite #100, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008.
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