Vickey Evonne Bitton, 65

Vickey Evonne Bitton, 65, of Sandpoint, Idaho, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

She was born July 19, 1942, in Long Beach, Calif., the daughter of Vernon and Beryl Fisher Garrett.

She was raised and educated in California where she graduated from high school. She later attended Brigham Young University.

Vickey married Richard C. Bitton on Aug. 7, 1976, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple in 1977.

Vickey was by nature a very giving person and this was evidenced by her taking care of others throughout her life. She cared for handicapped children, the elderly, and whoever needed loving, tender care, including many people here in Sandpoint for the past 20 years.

She also did a significant amount of community service including serving at the soup kitchen.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served in many positions. She enjoyed doing genealogy, going to the temple when her health allowed, reading, and especially enjoyed shopping, usually for others.

Vickey was proud of her heritage and was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. But the joy of her life was her family.

She is survived by her husband, Richard C. Bitton of Sandpoint; 12 children, Lance Peterson, Rodger (Marcie) Peterson both of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Judie (John) Wozniak, Todd Peterson both of Spokane, Wash., Katie (Chris) Keller of Rathdrum, Idaho, Joanna (Brandon) Moss of Billings, Mont., Jocelyn (Jon) Lockhart of Meridian, Idaho, Tony (Carrie Ann) Bitton of Priest River, Idaho, Bill (Judy) Bitton of Colville, Wash., Morna (Stacey) Williams of Ogden, Utag, Cindy (Kevin) McDonald of Priest River, and Jamie (Bethany) Bitton of Deer Park, Wash; three brother, Gordon (Jackwin) Garrett of Washington, Blair Garrett of California, Blain (Carol) Garrett of Alaska; 29 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Her parents and a granddaughter, Tyla Peterson, preceded her in death.

Funeral services for Vickey Bitton will be conducted 1 p.m. on Monday, June 30, 2008, in the Sandpoint Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River. Friends may call at Coffelt Funeral Chapel Sunday 3-6 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Family and friends are invited to sign Vickey’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.