(September 14, 1917—November 3, 2009)

Mrs. Brigadier Ruth Bittinger was promoted to Glory from her home in Largo, Fla.

Ruth Fullmer was one of seven children born into the Salvationist family of David and Lena Fullmer in Hazelton, Pa. In 1935, the family moved to New Jersey, and when Ruth was 18 and attending Star Lake Camp, she accepted the Lord. She was active in the Newark, N.J., Citadel Corps and also heard the call to officership at Star Lake.

In 1939, Ruth entered the New York Training College as part of the Hold Fast session. Upon her commissioning in 1940, she served as assistant corps officer in upstate New York. In 1942, she married Captain Lambert Bittinger, whom she had met during training. Together they served as corps officers in New York City and Ohio and at divisional appointments in Pennsylvania and New York.

From 1969 to 1973, the Bittingers served as missionary officers in the Caribbean Territory. They returned to the Eastern Territory in 1973 with an appointment at Territorial Headquarters (THQ) before retiring in 1981. They settled in Asbury Park, N.J., before moving to Florida and becoming active in the Clearwater, Fla., Corps.

Brigadier Lambert Bittinger was promoted to Glory in 2007.

Survivors include a daughter, Lee Taylor of Redondo Beach, Calif.; a son, Lambert Bittinger of La Crescenta, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Brigadier Marjorie McClements of Largo, Fla., and Major Mrs. Hannah Strehle of Clearwater, Fla.; four grandchildren; and four great–grandchildren. Messages of prayer support may be sent to Lambert Bittinger, 4004 Liberty Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214.