From her church program obituary:
"Martha Bitikofer was born to John H. and Susannah Loucks near Canton, Kansas on April 23 1892. Our mother passed to her reward on November 30, 1985 at the age of 93 years , 7 months and 7 days.
She accepted Christ as her Savior in her youth, was baptised and became a member of the Spring Valley Mennonite Church, near Canton, where she remained faithful till death.
On November 6, 1910 Martha was married to Fred Bitikofer by D. H. Bender at Hesston, Kansas. They shared life together for more than 58 years. To this union were born eight sons and two daughters. In 1955 they moved from the farm to their new home in Canton and in 1965 they moved into the Schowalter Villa in Hesston. Their interest continued in the work of the church and their family.
Mother was noted for her work in piecing many quilt tops for the sewing circle and in making quilts for the grandchildren. She also had a great love for and enjoyed music. This was expressed by whistling, playing her small organ, and playing her harmonica which she played the day before her death, and she had a sense of humor that carried her through many difficulties. She was a praying mother , had a deep spiritual concern for her children and their families and they always looked forward to their visits.
She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, in January 27, 1969 and the following children: an infant son, Franklin Charles in 1916, a son Paul in 1973, and a daughter Mabel Nunemaker in 1978.
As children of Fred and Martha Bitikofer we are very grateful for our Christian heritage. They raised nine children through the very difficult years of the early thirties when their faith in God was challenged. Through it all they brought all nine children to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ where all of us, including our spouses are actively serving the Lord.