Charles Ray Bittorf

Charles Ray Bittorf (Chuck), 94, quietly went to be with our Lord on Sunday, September 29, 2024.  All six of his children, their spouses and many of his grandchildren were able to tell him how much they loved him and to say their last goodbyes prior to his passing. 

Charles was born on August 4, 1930 in Chicago, IL to Charles Robert Bittorf and Emily Stybr Bittorf. He was married to Mary Ellen Bennett on June 14,1952 and they were blessed with six children. This past June they celebrated an extraordinary 72 years of marriage.

Charles dedicated his life in service to his family, his community and his country. He graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in pharmacology. Charles served eighteen years in the Air Force; eight of those on active duty as a pharmacist and ten in the reserves. He continued his career as a pharmacist until he retired.

In 1970, Charles moved his family to the small town of Pinetop, AZ, where they opened Pinetop Pharmacy. He and Mary Ellen both believed that customer service was of the utmost importance. Many times, Charles would go down to the pharmacy after hours to fill a prescription for a resident or visitor who was ill. This work ethic and caring for people was instilled in all six of his children.

Charles became involved with the Pinetop Lions Club shortly after moving to Pinetop and he was a dedicated member for fifty-four years. Charles was very adamant about following the Lions motto: We Serve. He spent many hours in service to the community, served as treasurer for the club and did not miss a single meeting during his years as an active “Lion”.

Charles was an animal lover at heart, attested to by all the dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs and other assorted animals his kids brought home. He also loved nature and all the beauty of the White Mountains. He found a special love for birds and enjoyed spending time on the back porch watching the many varieties of birds who visited the feeders. He and Mary Ellen joined the local Audubon Society when it began, Charles being treasurer for twenty-six years, and participated in many birding activities. Charles also supported Mary Ellen when she founded the White Mountain Nature Center, lending a hand whenever help was needed. Charles’s love of nature has been passed down to his children, who are continuing to pass it along to their children.

Charles is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, his six children: Debbie Gillespie (Royce), Nancy Heaton (Michael), Carla Whalen, Krista Bergh (Ken), Terri Wiley (Bob), Steve Bittorf (Dawn); sixteen grandchildren, twenty-four great grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.  Charles, a beloved husband, father and grandfather will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His Celebration of Life ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. on November 2, 2024, at the White Mountain Nature Center, 425 S. Woodland Rd, Lakeside, AZ 85929. The interment was at 1:00 p.m. at the Lakeside Cemetery, 1265 Larson Rd, Lakeside, AZ 85929. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Pinetop Lion’s Club or the Audubon Society.

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