Margie Belle (Johnson) Bittle

Margie Belle Bittle, age 97 of Jonesboro, passed away with her family by her side, Thursday, January 18, 2024. She was born September 17, 1926 in Anna, the daughter of Jacob and Lydia "Elizabeth" Treece Johnson. Marge, how she was affectionately known, married Walter Carl "Doc" Bittle on November 13, 1943 in Missouri. From that union was born three children, Terry (Rhonda) Bittle, Pamela (Duane) Bierstedt, and Gregory (Janice) Bittle.

Marge is survived by her three children; eight grandchildren, Tanya (Robert) Loveless, Brandon (Paula) Bierstedt, Tasha (Jerome) Faire, Kelli (Jacob) Hogan, Tara (Joseph) Rowan, Trisha (Preston) Cobb, Scott (Taylor) Bittle, and Brooke (David) Frank; eleven great-grandchildren, Taylor Loveless, Trace (Madison) Faire, Mariah Faire, Raegan Rowan, Presley Bierstedt, Luke Rowan, Bentley and Jolee Cobb, Davis Bittle, Reece Frank and Declan Bittle; two great-great grandchildren, Gavin Johnson, and baby girl Faire on the way; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walter Carl "Doc" Bittle; and brother, David F. Johnson.

Marge was a member of Lockard Chapel Baptist Church. She was a Christian who loved the Lord. She taught countless children Sunday school and vacation bible at Lockard Chapel for decades.

Together, Marge and Doc owned and operated "Doc's Place and Marge's Country Kitchen at the 127/146 junction in Jonesboro. The station was a hub for hunters, fishermen and coffee drinkers. It was the only place in town where you could be served biscuits and gravy as well as minnows and crickets. She enjoyed swimming at the "Bubble" in Cape Girardeau for nearly 20 years, canning with her granddaughters, sewing, crafting, picking up treasures at yard sales and tending to her yard work. Marge loved collecting dolls and lunchboxes and camping with her grandchildren always brought her joy. She baked and sold sour dough bread at the Farmers Market and the Vienna Correctional Center. Her family raves about her coconut cream and apple pies, hotcakes, and peanut butter cookies.

The Bittle family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ribbing and nurse Stephanie for all the years of compassion and support. Also, the kindness and care given by her home health care workers and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Rev. Robert Loveless officiating. Interment will be in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Friends may call after 12:00 noon and until the service at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 22, at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro. Memorial contributions are preferred to the Lockard Chapel Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.